May God bless you with discomfort…
at easy answers, hard hearts,
half-truths, and superficial relationships.
May God bless you
so that you may live from deep within your heart
where God’s Spirit dwells.
May God bless you with anger…
at injustice, oppression,
and exploitation of people.
May God bless you so that you may
work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears…
to shed for those who suffer from pain,
rejection, starvation and war.
May God bless you so that you
may reach out your hand
to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with
enough foolishness
to believe that you can make a difference
in this world, in your neighborhood,
so that you will courageously try
what you don’t think you can do, but,
in Jesus Christ you’ll have all the strength necessary.
May God bless you to fearlessly
speak out about injustice,
unjust laws, corrupt politicians,
unjust and cruel treatment of prisoners,
and senseless wars,
genocides, starvations, and poverty that is so pervasive.
May God bless you that you remember
we are all called
to continue God’s redemptive work
of love and healing
in God’s place, in and through God’s name,
in God’s Spirit, continually creating
and breathing new life and grace
into everything and everyone we touch.
Source: “Troubadour: A Missionary Magazine,”
published by the Franciscan Missionary Society, Liverpool, UK: Spring 2005
Found @ Vox Nova - A Franciscan Christmas Blessing for Justice and Peace
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Angelus
V: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary
R: And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.
at the hour of our death. Amen.
All: Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace unto our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Blessing before meals: Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord we give Thee our thanks. Amen.
R: And she conceived by the Holy Ghost.
V: Hail Mary, full of grace: The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
R: Holy Mary, Mother of God: Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
V: Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.
R: Be it done unto me according to thy word. V: Hail Mary ...
R: Holy Mary ... V: And the Word was made flesh
R: And dwelt among us. V: Hail Mary ...
R: Holy Mary ... V: Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. V: Let us pray.
Blessing before meals: Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord we give Thee our thanks. Amen.
[Madonna and Child - Watercolor by Alice Mankowski]
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saint Peter Canisius 1521-1597 (Dec 21) Secret Agent for the Vatican
St. Peter Canisius
Feastday: December 21
b: 1521 d: 1597
In 1565, the Vatican was looking for a secret agent. It was shortly after the Council of Trent and the pope wanted to get the decrees of the Council to all the European bishops. What would be a simple errand in our day, was a dangerous assignment in the sixteenth century. The first envoy who tried to carry the decrees through territory of hostile Protestants and vicious thieves was robbed of the precious documents. Rome needed someone courageous but also someone above suspicion. They chose Peter Canisius. At 43 he was a well-known Jesuit who had founded colleges that even Protestants respected. They gave him a cover as official "visitor" of Jesuit foundations. But Peter couldn't hide the decrees like our modern fictional spies with their microfilmed messages in collar buttons or cans of shaving cream. Peter traveled from Rome and crisscrossed Germany successfully loaded down with the Tridentine tomes -- 250 pages each -- not to mention the three sacks of books he took along for his own university!
Why did the Vatican choose Peter Canisius for this delicate task?
Born in Holland in 1521, Peter had edited and written several volumes on Church history and theology, been a delegate to the Council of Trent, and reformed the German universities from heresy. Called to Vienna to reform their university, he couldn't win the people with preaching or fancy words spoken in his German accent. He won their hearts by ministering to the sick and dying during a plague. The people, the king, and the pope all wanted to make Peter bishop of Vienna, but Peter declined vigorously and administered the diocese for a year.
For many years during the Reformation, Peter saw the students in his universities swayed by the flashy speeches and the well-written arguments of the Protestants. Peter was not alone in wishing for a Catholic catechism that would present true Catholic beliefs undistorted by fanatics. Finally King Ferdinand himself ordered Peter and his companions to write a catechism. This hot potato got tossed from person to person until Peter and his friend Lejay were assigned to write it. Lejay was obviously the logical choice, being a better writer than Peter. So Peter relaxed and sat back to offer any help he could. When Father Lejay died, King Ferdinand would wait no longer. Peter said of writing: "I have never learned to be elegant as a writer, but I cannot remain dumb on that account." The first issue of the Catechism appeared in 1555 and was an immediate success. Peter approached Christian doctrine in two parts: wisdom -- including faith, hope, and charity -- and justice -- avoiding evil and doing good, linked by a section on sacraments.
Because of the success and the need, Peter quickly produced two more versions: a Shorter Catechism for middle school students which concentrated on helping this age group choose good over evil by concentrating on a different virtue each day of the week; and a Shortest Catechism for young children which included prayers for morning and evening, for mealtimes, and so forth to get them used to praying.
As intent as Peter was on keeping people true to the Catholic faith, he followed the Jesuit policy that harsh words should not be used, that those listening would see an example of charity in the way Catholics acted and preached. However, his companions were not always as willing. He showed great patience and insight with one man, Father Couvillon. Couvillon was so sharp and hostile that he was alienating his companions and students. Anyone who confronted him became the subject of abuse. It became obvious that Couvillon suffered from emotional illness. But Peter did not let that knowledge blind him to the fact that Couvillon was still a brilliant and talented man. Instead of asking Couvillon to resign he begged him to stay on as a teacher and then appointed him as his secretary. Peter thought that Couvillon needed to worry less about himself and pray more and work harder. He didn't coddle him but gave Couvillon blunt advice about his pride. Coming from Peter this seemed to help Couvillon. Peter consulted Couvillon often on business of the Province and asked him to translate Jesuit letters from India. Thanks to Peter , even though Couvillon continued to suffer depression for years, he also accomplished much good.
Peter died in December 21, 1597. He is known as the Second Apostle of Germany and was named a Doctor of the Church.
In His Footsteps
Peter believed in the importance in learning and understanding the Catholic faith. If it is available to you, resolve to read a portion of the new Catechism of the Catholic Church. Don't try to read too much but consider reading a page a day. Before we can spread our faith we must have a solid foundation in ourselves.
Prayer:
Saint Peter Canisius, you saw the good in even the most troublesome of people. You found their talents and used them. Help me to see beyond the behavior of others that may bother me to the gifts God has given them. Amen
SOURCE: http://abitadeacon.blogspot.com/
Feastday: December 21
b: 1521 d: 1597
In 1565, the Vatican was looking for a secret agent. It was shortly after the Council of Trent and the pope wanted to get the decrees of the Council to all the European bishops. What would be a simple errand in our day, was a dangerous assignment in the sixteenth century. The first envoy who tried to carry the decrees through territory of hostile Protestants and vicious thieves was robbed of the precious documents. Rome needed someone courageous but also someone above suspicion. They chose Peter Canisius. At 43 he was a well-known Jesuit who had founded colleges that even Protestants respected. They gave him a cover as official "visitor" of Jesuit foundations. But Peter couldn't hide the decrees like our modern fictional spies with their microfilmed messages in collar buttons or cans of shaving cream. Peter traveled from Rome and crisscrossed Germany successfully loaded down with the Tridentine tomes -- 250 pages each -- not to mention the three sacks of books he took along for his own university!
Why did the Vatican choose Peter Canisius for this delicate task?
Born in Holland in 1521, Peter had edited and written several volumes on Church history and theology, been a delegate to the Council of Trent, and reformed the German universities from heresy. Called to Vienna to reform their university, he couldn't win the people with preaching or fancy words spoken in his German accent. He won their hearts by ministering to the sick and dying during a plague. The people, the king, and the pope all wanted to make Peter bishop of Vienna, but Peter declined vigorously and administered the diocese for a year.
For many years during the Reformation, Peter saw the students in his universities swayed by the flashy speeches and the well-written arguments of the Protestants. Peter was not alone in wishing for a Catholic catechism that would present true Catholic beliefs undistorted by fanatics. Finally King Ferdinand himself ordered Peter and his companions to write a catechism. This hot potato got tossed from person to person until Peter and his friend Lejay were assigned to write it. Lejay was obviously the logical choice, being a better writer than Peter. So Peter relaxed and sat back to offer any help he could. When Father Lejay died, King Ferdinand would wait no longer. Peter said of writing: "I have never learned to be elegant as a writer, but I cannot remain dumb on that account." The first issue of the Catechism appeared in 1555 and was an immediate success. Peter approached Christian doctrine in two parts: wisdom -- including faith, hope, and charity -- and justice -- avoiding evil and doing good, linked by a section on sacraments.
Because of the success and the need, Peter quickly produced two more versions: a Shorter Catechism for middle school students which concentrated on helping this age group choose good over evil by concentrating on a different virtue each day of the week; and a Shortest Catechism for young children which included prayers for morning and evening, for mealtimes, and so forth to get them used to praying.
As intent as Peter was on keeping people true to the Catholic faith, he followed the Jesuit policy that harsh words should not be used, that those listening would see an example of charity in the way Catholics acted and preached. However, his companions were not always as willing. He showed great patience and insight with one man, Father Couvillon. Couvillon was so sharp and hostile that he was alienating his companions and students. Anyone who confronted him became the subject of abuse. It became obvious that Couvillon suffered from emotional illness. But Peter did not let that knowledge blind him to the fact that Couvillon was still a brilliant and talented man. Instead of asking Couvillon to resign he begged him to stay on as a teacher and then appointed him as his secretary. Peter thought that Couvillon needed to worry less about himself and pray more and work harder. He didn't coddle him but gave Couvillon blunt advice about his pride. Coming from Peter this seemed to help Couvillon. Peter consulted Couvillon often on business of the Province and asked him to translate Jesuit letters from India. Thanks to Peter , even though Couvillon continued to suffer depression for years, he also accomplished much good.
Peter died in December 21, 1597. He is known as the Second Apostle of Germany and was named a Doctor of the Church.
In His Footsteps
Peter believed in the importance in learning and understanding the Catholic faith. If it is available to you, resolve to read a portion of the new Catechism of the Catholic Church. Don't try to read too much but consider reading a page a day. Before we can spread our faith we must have a solid foundation in ourselves.
Prayer:
Saint Peter Canisius, you saw the good in even the most troublesome of people. You found their talents and used them. Help me to see beyond the behavior of others that may bother me to the gifts God has given them. Amen
SOURCE: http://abitadeacon.blogspot.com/
Sunday, December 5, 2010
December 5 -- St. Sabas
This Saint was Like Clay in God’s Hands
St. Sabas (439-532) lived mainly in Palestine. He left home at a very early age to go to a monastery. After he had spent ten years in religion, his family attempted to persuade him to leave the monastery and to return home to pursue a secular life.
He replied, "Do you want me to be a deserter, leaving God after placing myself in His service? If those who abandon the militia of earthly kings are severely punished, what chastisement would I not deserve if I abandoned that of the King of heaven?"
When he was thirty years of age, desiring greater solitude, he began to live an angelic life so far above nature that he seemed no longer to have a body according to St. Euthymius. Word of his great sanctity spread and, despite his desire for solitude, he attracted many disciples.
As the numbers grew, he organized them into a "laura" which was a semi-eremitical type of monastery. These monasteries were a great bulwark against heresy.
Being staunchly orthodox, St. Sabas persuaded vast numbers of people to return to the True Faith during times of schism.
Although he wished to remain a hermit, he accepted ordination to
provide the sacraments to those who flocked to his example. As a result, he founded several influential monasteries which produced several distinguished monks, among whom was St. John of Damascus.
The eastern churches at this time were in great confusion. the Emperor Anastasius supported Eutychian heresy and banished many Catholic bishops. At age seventy, St. Sabas was sent to stop this fury of persecution. After success with the Emperor's successor, St. Sabas travelled far and wide to preach and gain back many fallen souls for the Faith. Finally, four days before he died , he lay in silence without seeing anyone and contemplated God alone.
This story shows that St. Sabas would have been happy to spend his entire life, hidden and in silence. But God had other plans.
St. Sabas was generous of soul, totally flexible in God's hands. He actually spent most of his 90 plus years founding monasteries and preaching against heresy. We should ask St. Sabas to ask Our Lady for the grace to be like clay in her hands so that we can do what is necessary for the glory of God whether it be in our plans or not.
SOURCE: America Needs Fatima
Friday, December 3, 2010
St. Francis Xavier Would NOT Be Very Popular Today
December 3 -- St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier was born in Navarre in 1506 and died near the coast of China in 1552. He, along with St. Ignatius Loyola and six others made the famous vow of Montmartre in 1534. The Society of Jesus was born.
St. Francis did missions in Paris, Venice, Rome and Lisbon before being appointed by John III, King of Portugal, to evangelize the people of the East Indies. The long and dangerous voyage to India ended in Goa. He spent the first five months preaching to the sick and catechizing children.
During this time, St. Francis saw that his fellow Catholics were subverting the Faith by their bad example.
He sent the King a dire warning: Do your duty to God and your subjects by insuring that your orders are carried out. Punish those who do not fulfill their obligations. Otherwise, expect God judgment and the loss of souls. St. Francis was not PC.
In 1542, St. Francis made many trips to the southern coast and even to Ceylon. Christianity had been preached here but fervor was waning because of a lack of priests, cruel persecutions and the bad example of Portuguese soldiers.
For three hard years, St. Francis labored and reaped an abundant harvest. Then he went to Malacca, the Moluccas and Mindanao, an island near the Philippines and back to Malacca, all within two years.
And he did all this traveling by ship, cart or on foot. No jet planes. How? By his zeal and God’s grace!
In Malacca, St. Francis met a Japanese who aroused his desire to bring Christ to Japan. Within two years, St. Francis landed in Kagoshima, Japan. He spent the next two year and a half years studying Japanese and converting many souls.
Two trusted clergymen assumed the Japanese missions enabling St. Francis to return to Goa where now his new venture was conquering China for Christ. Within sight of the mainland of China on a small island, St. Francis breathed his last. His incredible apostolate lasted ten short years.
Many nations and vast seas did not daunt his zeal. God rewarded St. Francis by allowing him to perform stupendous miracles and to convert tens of thousands of souls. He has been called the greatest missionary since the Apostles.
Today, many Catholics have become PC. We must ask for zeal and courage to go against the grain. To love souls enough to risk being pushed aside for telling the Truth. This is hard, but if we pray to Our Lady, she will help us. She will give us the right words and approach. The salvation of a soul could be at stake. And it may be our own.
(Photo taken in Béthanie, Hong Kong, by Isaac Wong)
SOURCE: America Needs Fatima
St. Francis Xavier was born in Navarre in 1506 and died near the coast of China in 1552. He, along with St. Ignatius Loyola and six others made the famous vow of Montmartre in 1534. The Society of Jesus was born.
St. Francis did missions in Paris, Venice, Rome and Lisbon before being appointed by John III, King of Portugal, to evangelize the people of the East Indies. The long and dangerous voyage to India ended in Goa. He spent the first five months preaching to the sick and catechizing children.
During this time, St. Francis saw that his fellow Catholics were subverting the Faith by their bad example.
He sent the King a dire warning: Do your duty to God and your subjects by insuring that your orders are carried out. Punish those who do not fulfill their obligations. Otherwise, expect God judgment and the loss of souls. St. Francis was not PC.
In 1542, St. Francis made many trips to the southern coast and even to Ceylon. Christianity had been preached here but fervor was waning because of a lack of priests, cruel persecutions and the bad example of Portuguese soldiers.
For three hard years, St. Francis labored and reaped an abundant harvest. Then he went to Malacca, the Moluccas and Mindanao, an island near the Philippines and back to Malacca, all within two years.
And he did all this traveling by ship, cart or on foot. No jet planes. How? By his zeal and God’s grace!
In Malacca, St. Francis met a Japanese who aroused his desire to bring Christ to Japan. Within two years, St. Francis landed in Kagoshima, Japan. He spent the next two year and a half years studying Japanese and converting many souls.
Two trusted clergymen assumed the Japanese missions enabling St. Francis to return to Goa where now his new venture was conquering China for Christ. Within sight of the mainland of China on a small island, St. Francis breathed his last. His incredible apostolate lasted ten short years.
Many nations and vast seas did not daunt his zeal. God rewarded St. Francis by allowing him to perform stupendous miracles and to convert tens of thousands of souls. He has been called the greatest missionary since the Apostles.
Today, many Catholics have become PC. We must ask for zeal and courage to go against the grain. To love souls enough to risk being pushed aside for telling the Truth. This is hard, but if we pray to Our Lady, she will help us. She will give us the right words and approach. The salvation of a soul could be at stake. And it may be our own.
(Photo taken in Béthanie, Hong Kong, by Isaac Wong)
SOURCE: America Needs Fatima
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