10 year anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II

Shared by Mary Jane.

(1) Litany to Saint John Paul II

 

Kyrie eleison; Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison; Christe eleison
Kyrie eleison; Kyrie eleison
Christ hear us, Christ graciously hear us
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us
Saint John Paul II, pray for us
Perfect disciple of Christ, pray for us
Generously gifted with the gifts of the Holy Spirit; pray for us
Great apostle of Divine Mercy; pray for us
Faithful Son of Mary; pray for us
Totally dedicated to the Mother of God; pray for us
Persevering preacher of the Gospel; pray for us
Pilgrim Pope; pray for us
Pope of the Millennium; pray for us
Model of industry; pray for us
Model of priests; pray for us
Drawing strength from the Eucharist; pray for us
Untiring man of prayer; pray for us
Lover of the rosary; pray for us
Strength of those doubting their faith; pray for us
Desiring to unite all those who believe in Christ; pray for us
Converter of sinners; pray for us
Defender of the dignity of every person; pray for us
Defender of life from conception to natural death; pray for us
Praying for the gift of parenthood for the infertile; pray for us
Friend of children; pray for us
Leader of youth; pray for us
Intercessor of families, pray for us
Comforter of the suffering; pray for us
Manly bearing his pain; pray for us
Sower of divine joy; pray for us
Great intercessor for peace; pray for us
Pride of the Polish nation; pray for us
Brilliance of the Holy Church; pray for us
That we may be faithful imitators of Christ; pray for us
That we may be strong with the power of the Holy Spirit;
pray for us
That we may have trust in the Mother of God; pray for us
That we may grow in our faith, hope, and charity; pray for us
That we may live in peace in our families; pray for us
That we may know how to forgive; pray for us
That we may know how to bear suffering; pray for us
That we may not succumb to the culture of death; pray for us
That we may not be afraid and courageously fight off various
temptations; pray for us
That he would intercede for us the grace of a happy death; pray
for us
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O
Lord
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, graciously
hear us, O Lord
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy
on us
Pray for us, Saint John Paul II,
That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.


(2) Litany to Saint John Paul II
Kyrie eleison, Christ eleison, Kyrie eleison
Christ, hear us Christ, graciously hear us.
Father of Heaven, God – have mercy on us.
Son, Redeemer of the world, God - have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit - have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God - have mercy on us.
Holy Mary – pray for us.

Saint John Paul II – pray for us
Immersed in the Father rich in mercy….
United with Christ, the Redeemer of man…
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of life…
Completely devoted to Mary...
Friend of the saints and blessed…
Successor of Peter and the servant of servants of God…
Guardian of the Church, teaching the truths of faith....
Father of the Council and Executor of its indications…
Supporting the unity of Christians and the whole human family...
Zealous Lover of the Eucharist...
Tireless Pilgrim of the earth...
Missionary of all nations...
Witness of faith, hope, and love...
Participant persistent in sufferings of Christ...
Apostle of reconciliation and peace...
Promoter of the civilization of love...
Propagator of new evangelization...
Master, calling us to sail into the deep...
Teacher showing us holiness as a measure of life...
Pope of Divine Mercy…
High Priest gathering the Church for sacrificing...
Shepherd leading the flock to Heaven...
Brother and Master of priests...
Father of consecrated persons...
Patron of Christian families...
Strengthening spouses....
Defender of the unborn...
Protector of children orphans and abandoned...
Friend and Teacher of the youth...
Good Samaritan for the suffering...
Support for the elderly and lonely...
Propagator of the truth about the dignity of man...
Man of prayer immersed in God...
Lover of the liturgy sacrificing at the altars of the world...
The personification of hard work...
Love in the cross of Christ....
Implementing your vocation properly...
Patient in suffering...
Example of life and death for the Lord....
Reprimanding sinners....
Showing the way to the misguided...
Forgiving wrong-doers...
Respecting opponents and persecutors...
Spokesman and Defender of the persecuted...
Supporting the unemployed...
Concerned about the homeless...
Visiting prisoners...
Supporting the weak...
Teaching everybody solidarity...

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world –
Spare us, Lord.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world –
Hear us, Lord.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world –
Have mercy on us.
Pray for us, Saint John Paul II.
So that we would proclaim to the world with life and words
Christ the Redeemer of man.

Let us pray:
Merciful God, accept our thanksgiving
For the gift of Saint John Paul’s II apostolic life and mission
And through his intercession, please, help us grow in love for you
And proclaim boldly the love of Christ to all people.
Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

The Litany has the imprimatur of Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop of Cracow from 12 April 2011.

 

PRAYER FOR THE SICK

Saint John Paul, you invited us to look at the difficult situations in our lives from the perspective of faith, so as to see the mystery of pain's contribution to our
lives.
In Jesus, who suffered with us and for us, you have taught us to find meaning and value in the
physical and psychological ills that often fill our days and nights.  We pray for all those who
have suffered the effects of war and for those who carry the burden of illness for a lifetime.
We entrust to your prayers those who are in hospitals and nursing homes; people who are disabled or emotionally disturbed; men, women and children who have a terminal illness and
who live the Calvary of suffering and loneliness.  May those who accompany and care for the sick find their hearts expanded by love.  May they recognize in the sick the presence of
the poor, crucified Christ.  We pray for those who have turned their back on God and faith because of the seemingly unanswerable question of suffering, that they might discover that the
mystery of pain can only be understood in Jesus Christ who reveals to us most deeply who we are.  In their pain, may they hear the words of the Master: "Follow me." AMEN.
(mention those whom you are praying for who are ill and/or suffering)Imprimatur: Sean Cardinal O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston
          
 Prayer to St. John Paul II

Oh, St. John Paul, from the window of heaven, grant us your blessing! Bless the church that you loved and served and guided, courageously leading it along the paths of the world in order to bring Jesus to everyone and everyone to Jesus. Bless the young, who were your great passion. Help them dream again, help them look up high again to find the light that illuminates the paths of life here on earth.

 

May you bless families, bless each family! You warned of Satan’s assault against this precious and indispensable divine spark that God lit on earth. St. John Paul, with your prayer, may you protect the family and every life that blossoms from the family.

Pray for the whole world, which is still marked by tensions, wars and injustice. You tackled war by invoking dialogue and planting the seeds of love: pray for us so that we may be tireless sowers of peace.

Oh St. John Paul, from heaven’s window, where we see you next to Mary, send God’s blessing down upon us all. Amen.(mention your intentions here)

The Lord's Supper - Pray for Our Priests

"The Last Supper" by Bartolomeo Carduccio

Picture source

As we enter the Holy Triduum, we ask that you remember in your prayers our Holy Father, our bishop Larry and all the bishops, our priests, our seminarians and the persecuted Church. It was at the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday that Jesus Himself instituted the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood in order to perpetuate this most august sacrament.

The following blog post is a must-read:

http://www.philipkosloski.com/why-we-need-holy-priests-and-how-to-pray-for-them/  Why We Need Holy Priests and Why We have to Pray for Them.  

Good Friday - Pray the Holy Rosary for World Peace

Bishop Larry Silva praying the Rosary publicly 

An email has been circulating asking all Catholics to pray the Holy Rosary together on the same day:

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 fromthe invasion of the mighty Turkish fleet, by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians!  So, on Good Friday April 3rd, 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 3:00 p.m.. Also, please e-mail this message to every Catholic on your address list, and ask them to pass it along to every Catholic on their lists.
  

Let's unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers in existence, for these intentions, on one of the holiest days in our Church year. God bless us all!

Did you also know that when you are about to forward this message, Satan will try to discourage you?  Forward it anyway and help hasten the triumph of Mother Mary!

Send this to your prayerful friends and see how the Holy Spirit works! There is a great deal to gain and absolutely nothing to lose!

Meditation for Lent by Father Jacues Benigne Bossuet

In order to die to sin completely, it is necessary that we die to all of our bad inclinations, to all that flatters our senses, and to pride. 

God does not judge as man does...He is the only one upon whom we should rely.  How happy we are then, and how peaceful!  We are  no longer dazzled by appearances, or stirred up by opinions; we are united to the truth and depend upon it alone.

I am praised, blamed, treated with indifference, distain, ignored, or forgotten; none of this can touch me.

page 98.

The Three Virtues Dearest to the Blessed Virgin Mary

One year for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Sister Faustina wanted to honor our blessed mother and so she made a novena of 9000 Hail Marys. She prayed 1000 Hail Marys per day for nine days.  She didn't let it interfere with her other devotions or with Holy Mass.  She did no say any unnecessary words during the novena.  "Although I must admit that such a matter requires a good deal of attention and effort, nothing is too much when it comes to honoring the Immaculate Virgin.

On the solemnity the blessed mother, inconceivably beautiful as described to Sister Faustina, appeared to the saint and said the following to her:

I desire, My dearly beloved daughter, that you practice the three virtues that are dearest to me- and most pleasing to God. The first is humility, humility, and once again humility; the second virtue, purity; the third virtue, love of God....

#1413 and #1415 of the Diary

Today is Saturday, the day we honor our Lady.  Let us try very hard to imitate the virtues that are dear to her.  Let us with all our hearts try to be humble, pure of heart and to love God with all our might.

My Sweet Saint Joseph!

Words cannot describe how I feel about Saint Joseph, the chaste husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Over the years, I have come to rely on him for everything.  Upon rising in the early morning I immediately greet the Blessed Mother with a good morning, followed by Jesus, Saint Joseph and all angels and saints.

There is a statue of Saint Joseph in the parking lot area of the church.  Upon arriving, I quickly acknowledge him and tell him I love him.  Then upon entering the church and spending a few quiet minutes with Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I make the Way of the Cross.  I then pause in front of St. Joseph the Worker's statue to give him a long litany of petitions.  I ask him to intercede for:

- the men in may family named after him
- the dying
- the homeless
- the unemployed
- husbands
- my entire family's new home and their existing homes protection
- helping me to imitate his silence and all his virtues
- protection of the Church and the persecuted Christians
- my marriage

I also share with him my frustrations at failing to conquer my faults.

I think of him constantly, asking for his intercession as much as I "bother" the blessed mother. I know they don't mind.  I think that perhaps they like to help me...me, the most flawed, selfish, ill-tempered, impatient, easily annoyed of all of God's creatures.

I don't think I have a right to ask for heavenly assistance that often, and very rarely do I ask for help for myself (except for that of improving myself and getting rid of the flaws that plague me and keep me from becoming holy).  But I do trust in God.  I do trust that the angels and saints are here to help us.  I especially trust that the Holy Family..Jesus, Mary and Joseph, will not fail to come to my assistance, no matter how many times I ask for their help and assistance.  I know this because they love me as they do all their other children.  They know we are not perfect but will help us reach perfection if we only ask and rely on them.  I especially believe that of St. Joseph, ever silent and righteous.  He was the perfect father and family man.

St. Joseph, dear foster father of Jesus,

beloved earthly husband of our Lady,

pray for all families, especially the fathers, the head of their families, 

to trust in God, to follow your example in loving, protecting, caring and providing for their families.

The Authentic St. Patrick

Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

            What do we really know about St. Patrick?  His background is shrouded in mystery.  What we have heard often mingles myth with reality.  To separate fact from fiction we need a closer look.  We need to ask the real St. Patrick to please stand up.

            In the fifth century A.D. an adolescent boy in Britain was kidnapped and enslaved by marauders from a nearby country.  The youngster they captured eventually eluded his captors in Ireland, but several years later returned as a priest with the conviction that God had chosen him to convert that country to Christianity.  That young Briton named Patricius died an Irishman named Patrick.  Ireland and Christianity have not been the same since.  Meet the authentic St. Patrick.

Fact over Myth

            His life was clouded by legend, but peeling away the myth we discover that what is factually known about St. Patrick is far more interesting.  He never chased the snakes out of Ireland, nor do we have any certainty that he used the shamrock to teach the Trinity to his converts.

            History possesses no written records about Britain or Ireland from the fifth century except those few about Patrick.  Quite simply Ireland had no written records prior to Patrick.

            The sequence of his life is not clear, and historians cannot identify when he was born, ordained a bishop, or died.   But scholars agree that the two extant examples of his writing are clearly the work of the same man we today call Patrick.

The two brief compositions of Patrick, his Confession and his Letter to Coroticus, are the sources of all we know for certain about the historical Patrick.

            The Confession, not really a biography, recounts his call to convert the Irish and aims to justify his mission to an unsympathetic people in Britain.

            The Letter to Coroticus, an Irish warlord whom Patrick excommunicated, illustrates his power as a preacher, but yields little biographical information.

His Life

            In a nutshell these are the biographical facts.  Patrick was born Patricius in Roman Britain to a Christian family of some wealth.  He was not religious in his youth, and claims he was close to renouncing his family’s faith.  Kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave for a warlord, he worked as a shepherd for six years and then escaped.  At home he began studies for the priesthood with the intent to return as a missionary to his former captors. Clearly he had committed his life to Ireland until death.  By the time he had written the Confession, Patrick was recognized as bishop of Ireland by both the natives of Ireland and by Church authorities on the continent.

His Character

            Two traits are patently evident in Patrick’s Confession: his humility and his strength.  These characteristics are missing in early biographies and in the legends.

            The missionary Patrick who returned to Ireland was a strong and vigorous personality.  He was tough and determined.  He had to be to pursue the vision that launched him in the evangelization of the pagan island.  He was not the least bit reluctant to undertake this mission despite the fact that in 400 years no one had taken the Gospel beyond the bounds of Roman civilization.  As each obstacle was encountered, Patrick mustered the strength to overcome it. 

            With limited education -- he was chiefly self-educated -- but with the grace of the experience of his enslaved exile, Patrick determined to do what no other had done in the previous four centuries of Christian history.  He decided to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and he planned wisely a way to do it.  Unaided he figured out how to carry Christian values to the barbarians who practiced human sacrifice, who constantly warred with each other, and who were noted slave traders.  That was neither simple nor easy to attempt.  Most likely he hazarded this challenge of evangelization never before undertaken by the missionaries of the Greco-Roman world because the Christians of the continent did not consider barbarians to be human.

            Patrick’s years as a slave had uniquely molded his attitude to mount a heroic effort to reach the minds and hearts of these untamed people.  Patrick detested slavery, and may have been the first Christian leader to speak out unequivocally against it.  The Church did not formally condemn slavery as immoral until the late nineteenth century.  Patrick had experienced this 

Respect for the Aina and for its Creator

"The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness".

Living in Hawaii is a blessing and a privilege.  It is a sad thing to see this beautiful land mistreated and taken for granted.  At the present moment there are many things threatening my adopted island home:  over-development with very expensive condominiums and store fronts being built, a growing homeless population not only of locals but most distressing, from outsiders, people of from the mainland who come here because they think life will be easier.  Most of these people have suffer from mental illness.  Some are sick and may be a health threat to others.  It is tragic that the native Hawaiians cannot afford to find affordable housing in their own land. It is very tragic when they end up homeless through no fault of their own.  Another problem is that the traffic on this small island seems to grow worse each day.  Other problems evolve out of the traffic problems:  short tempers leading sometimes to road rage... the loss of the aloha spirit as people rush to beat the traffic jams. It is no longer a rare thing to hear an angry car horn where once upon a time that was kapu (taboo and simply not done).  Another problem is the misguided idea by the powers that be that a rail system will solve the traffic problem.  The fact appears to be that the rail project will only burden the residents with a higher tax and a higher cost of living with no date for the completed rail in the near future.

My concern is that we don't seem to realize that are taking for granted living in Hawaii.  We owe God and the Native Hawaiians the duty of caring for these beautiful islands.  We need to take responsibility in caring for the land.   We must do our part to preserve the aina.  If we all did our small part, we would preserving this treasured place on earth for our future generation.

I do not believe the government can force us to do the right thing.  It should be up to the individual to do what he or she can to be a responsible person.  We do not need to have to have legislation passed for something that is common sense.

The following are ways those of us who live in the city can do to show respect:

1.  Pick up litter.  I do not mean our own litter, but also any piece of trash you come across as you walk the sidewalks, parks, hiking or walking on the beach.  Carry a bag with you at all times.  At the end of your walk, simply toss the trash bag away.

2.  Walk.  As mentioned above, Hawaii is small.  It is therefore unconscionable that some families have multiple cars.  Walking will not only be good for your health but it will lessen the tensions among motorists and pedestrians alike.

3.  Be a Good Samaritan.  Go to the rescue of people in need.  By this I mean ask someone if they help assistance, especially the elderly and the disabled.  Smile at other people, even if they don't smile back.  Show Christian love by acknowledging your brothers and sisters in Christ.  But don't stop there.  If you see an animal in need, a baby bird that has fallen from its nest, a hungry feral cat, a stray dog, etc.  Help them.  Show God you acknowledge and respect His creatures.

4.  Shopping.  Buy local.  I can't stress this enough.  There are weekly farmer's markets all over the island. Even you don't have one close to you, the supermarkets are now carrying local produce.  We have to be dependent on shipments of food from the mainland.  That became quite clear with the recent dock strike threat.

5.  Grow your own food.  Even if you don't have a house with a backyard, there are options.  Join a community garden.  I highly recommend this because it is a great way to meet really nice folks and share good ideas and tips on gardening and cooking healthy.  For those of you who cannot join a community garden, you can always grown food in containers.  Good (light) potting soil, sunshine, natural ways of feeding plants, water and a little patience is all you need to grow your own vegetables.  I noticed that if you take care of properly feeding and watering your plants, there is a balance that will repel the pesky insects that would otherwise ruin your plants.

    - Feed your plants with compost.  You can make your own compost by either burying the kitchen waste (no dairy or meat) directly into your soil (even in your container grown plants), or start a worm farm or make a conventional compost bin.  Bokashi is another option.

6.  Take care of the water.  Do not use cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.  One way of doing this is by using natural cleaners.  The following are a few suggestions:

          - homemade laundry detergent.  This can either be liquid or dry.  I prefer the dry.  All you need is borax, washing soda and a pure bar soap.  The internet is full of recipes for laundry detergent.  I fill a large bucket with a cover with at least two boxes of borax, 2 boxes of washing soda (not baking soda but you can also add a a cup or two of baking soda to eliminate orders) and two bars of Castile soap.  The bar soap needs to be grated and then mix all the ingredients together and you will have a pleasant, clean smelling homemade laundry detergent.  Note:  to keep the whites white, you will need to add Oxyclean or bleach.  Bleach is a harsh chemical so use care if you choose to use it.

          - homemade liquid Castile soap.  Dr. Bronner sells liquid Castile soap but it is a pricey thing to buy even if you dilute it.  But you can grate a bar of Castile soap and add to a gallon of water.  Let sit for a week or so until the soap melts.  Pour into bottles.  This soap can be diluted and used as cleaner for almost all surfaces (I don't recommend for granite countertops), hand soap and shampoo.  I read some people even use it as a toothpaste but I wouldn't recommend it.

          - natural orange cleaner.  Save your orange peels (making sure to remove the white membrane).  Cut into small pieces and place in an empty container.  Cover with white vinegar and let sit undisturbed for two weeks or more.  This cleaner is good for the granite counter tops.  I do not recommend it for white stove tops, etc as it does leave a slight orange stain.  But is easily removed by wiping with water.  Lemon peels and other citrus peels may also be used.

Do not wash your cars with harsh chemicals that will drain into the sewers and ultimately into the ocean.  That will end up killing the marine life as well as contaminating the ocean.  Use one of the above cleaners and plain white vinegar and water to clean the windshields and windows.  Instead of filling the windshield cleaner with pricey store-bought windshield cleaner, my husband fills ours with vinegar and water solution.  I clean our windows with the same solution.

7.  Recycle glass jars.

Buy things that come in glass bottles and jars, not plastic.  Reuse these glass bottles and jars by refilling them with for example:  dried beans, grains, pasta and the bottles can be used to store liquids.  Some bottles are attractive.  My pantry shelves hold these recycled glass jars.

These are just a few suggestions to practice being a responsible person and caring for the land entrusted to us by God, our creator.  In fact, I believe we will be accountable to God for failing to be good stewards of the earth, which He created and all it contains.

Holy Father Pope Francis Announces Jubilee Year of Mercy

The following is an excerpt from Pope Francis' homily:

Dear brothers and sisters, I have often thought about how the Church might make clear its mission of being a witness to mercy. It is journey that begins with a spiritual conversion. For this reason, I have decided to call an extraordinary Jubilee that is to have the mercy of God at its center. It shall be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live this Year in the light of the Lord's words: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (cf. Lk 6:36)”

This Holy Year will begin on this coming Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will end on November 20, 2016, the Sunday dedicated to Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – and living face of the Father’s mercy. I entrust the organization of this Jubilee to the Pontifical Council for Promotion of the New Evangelization, that [the dicastery] might animate it as a new stage in the journey of the Church on its mission to bring to every person the Gospel of mercy

I am convinced that the whole Church will find in this Jubilee the joy needed to rediscover and make fruitful the mercy of God, with which all of us are called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time. From this moment, we entrust this Holy Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she might turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey.

You can read it all HERE

Invocations to the Precious Blood

Precious Blood of Jesus, shed in the circumcision, make me chaste of mind, heart and body.

Precious Blood, oozing in the Agony of Jesus from every pore, grant me to love above all things the holy and adorable will of God.

Precious Blood, flowing abundantly in the scourging at the pillar, inspire me with a keen sorrow 

for my sins and a love of suffering.

Precious Blood, falling in profusion from the crown of thorns, grant me a love of humiliations.

Precious Blood, shed so profusely in the crucifixion of our Lord, make me die entirely to self-love.

Precious Blood, shed to the very last drop by the opening of His Sacred Heart, give me that generous love that sacrifices all to God.

Precious Blood, sacred price of my redemption, apply to me Thine infinite merits.

Precious Blood, that dost arrest the effects of divine justice, upon sinners, convert them all, but particularly those who are dear to me.

Divine Blood of my Jesus, I adore Thee from the depths of my heart; I ardently invoke Thee for Thou art my salvation and by Thee I hope to obtain the joys of paradise.

Flowers from the Garden of the Precious Blood.