the love and mercy of Jesus

     Concluding a beautiful homily, our Priest reminded us that when we look at the Crucifix, we see the extent of God's love and mercy towards us.

     Jesus'holy miracle of unconditional forgiveness is the supernatural key that opens the eyes of our souls to God's Heavenly love. Father invited us to see in those around us, the opportunity to share, through our words and  actions, the love and mercy of Jesus.

Fifteen Promises of the Rosary~The Fifteenth Promise

     The Fifteenth promise to those faithful to pray the daily Rosary is that this devotion is a special sign of predestination. When I was a child, the Sisters taught us the following from the Baltimore Catechism:
     Question: Why did God make me?
     Response: God made me to love Him and serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next.
     A beautiful way to learn precisely how to love and serve God in this world is to become familiar with the life, teachings, virtues and miracles of Jesus. Over a lifetime, contemplating the life of Jesus by praying the Rosary daily gently weaves these virtues securely into the unique tapestry each individual's consciousness. Imitating Jesus inevitably leads our souls to eternity with Him in heaven.

   "All the world is vanity except to love God and serve Him only." (Thomas A. Kempis, The Imitation of Christ)

   In a temporally minute yet supernaturally infinite way, while the praying the Rosary, our beings are turned away from the things of the world. For that brief moment of time, we are conforming ourselves, soul and body, to the heart of Christ. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, regular practice of this sacred contemplation mystically fortifies our supernatural affinity with the Heart of Jesus.

   Loving Jesus with the Heart of Mary by praying the daily Rosary is an invaluable spiritual gift. Sharing this divine gift with our children and loved ones assists all of us in our journey to eternal life with our Heavenly Father.

 Reflecting upon these fifteen promises and daily praying the Rosary, may your days be filled with superabundant blessings and graces from our loving God.

Fifteen Promises of the Rosary~The Tenth Promise

     The Tenth Promise to those who faithfully pray the Rosary is that they will enjoy great glory in Heaven. Obedience to the Commands of Our Lord is the fruit of imitation of Mary's love for Jesus. Praying the Rosary daily transforms our souls in such a way that our hearts grow more deeply in love with Jesus, who said "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)

     "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. And he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father. And I will love him and will manifest myself to him." Judas (not the Iscariot) saith to Him, "Lord, how is it that thou will manifest thyself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answered and said to him, "If any one love me he will keep my word and my Father will love him. And we will come to him and will make our abode with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my words. And the word which you have heard is not mine but the Father's who sent me. These things have I spoken to you, abiding with you."

The Words of Jesus

From the Gospel fo John 
Chapter 14 Verses 21 through 25

Douay Rheims Catholic Bible

these little ones

     The month of December is dedicated to the Divine Infancy of Jesus. Our Almighty Father Our timely developmental stages, as we grow intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually, are precious gifts designed by our Creator. The family is a beautiful foundation in which parents teach, protect and nourish their children, as God does for all of us. God has blessed us with a world rich in a variety of beautiful cultures and traditions, for us to harmoniously celebrate and enjoy. Our Holy Father urges us to join him in prayer for an End to Child-Soldiers (general prayer intention). We are also asked to pray for Europe (mission prayer intention) and the people there. 

     "But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea."

Matthew 18:6

Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible

"outsiders"

     The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. As Catholic Christians, we are not citizens of this world, but of Heaven. We are not perfect. We aspire to obey God's commands although inundated with the distractions and demands of daily life.  In His infinite mercy, He affords us the way to purification of our souls, and eventual worthiness for entry into Heaven. Many are the episodes in our journey with Jesus that we feel like "outsiders" in relation to our peers. It is within our Church families that we freely experience God's presence and graces. We pray to be inspired by the generosity of Jesus and Mary as we consider the needs of those who suffer the tragedy of economic distress, violence, war, death and displacement.  We are grateful for the guidance of our Priests and religious, as we the laity, work together with them in bringing more souls to Christ. Our Holy Father invites us to pray with him for Countries Receiving Refugees (general Prayer intention) and for Collaboration of Priests and Laity (mission prayer intention)

     "Martha therefore said to Jesus,'Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But now also I know that whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee.' Jesus saith to her, 'Thy brother shall rise again.' Martha saith to Him, 'I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, although he be dead shall live.'"

John 11:21-25

Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible

the redemptive message

     September is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Because of His infinite love for all humans, God created us and all of nature on earth and in the heavens. Jesus suffered and died to make it possible for Heaven to be the ultimate destination of our immortal souls. Our Blessed Mother suffered every pain with Jesus on our behalf. Society attempts to highlight the importance of technology and material things, elevating possessions above the sanctity of life. Technology has the potential to outstrip in speed and impact, the simple message of God's generous love for all humankind. This all too frequently devalues human life in the eyes of many. The urgency of sharing the redemptive message of Jesus cannot be overestimated. Our Holy Father asks us to join him in prayer for the Centrality of the Human Person (general prayer intention) and for the Mission to Evangelize (mission intention).

"And thy own soul an sword shall pierce, 

that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."

Luke 2:35

Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible

special gifts

 

The Litany of Loreto

Our Lady's constant intercession for her children

  The many titles given to her

By Our Blessed Lord Jesus...

The Litany of Loreto

Irish Wedding Blessing

~Irish Wedding Blessing~

"May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.

May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.

May the saddest day of your future

Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

May your hands be forever clasped in friendship

And your hearts joined forever in love.

Your lives are very special,

God has touched you in many ways.

May his blessings rest upon you

And fill all your coming days."