Basic Training for Catholics

Praying the Bible

2011-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

It has been six months since I have written on my blog. At the time that I stopped, I was slightly overwhelmed with my husband's illness and mine. Our health has slowly improved so that now I feel BORED! I have been praying for guidance as to what to do. I tried doing 'surveys at home' to earn extra money, but that in itself is a big joke!

This week, however, when I was listening to the first reading for Thursday, Sept 1st, Colossians 1:9-14, it seemed to be aimed at me.

"...we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light...."

The community of saints is praying for you and me to increase our knowledge of God by praying the Bible. Better things are in store for us as we deepen our relationship with Him. We will multiply our good works and be able to joyfully withstand whatever obstacles may come our way.

FOOT OF THE CROSS

2011-03-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

-Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

"Which stands up better in a crisis - man or woman? The best way to arrive at a conclusion is to go to the greatest crises the world ever faced, namely the CRUCIFIXON OF OUR DIVINE LORD. When we come to this great drama of Calvary there is one fact that stands out very clearly: Men failed. On the other hand, there is not a single instance of a woman's failing him."

With Us or Against Us?

2011-02-23T10:48:00.000-08:00

"Jesus said in reply: 'Do not try to stop him. No man who performs a miracle using My name can at the same time speak ill of Me. Anyone who is not against us is with us.' “Mark 9:39-40

Jesus is telling the disciples that they do not have a monopoly of miracles nor of Him. Anyone doing good in the Name of Jesus cannot do evil at the same time.

We, who are baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, become adopted children of God. This means that members of ALL Christian denominations are brothers and sisters, in Christ.

We, Christians, should devote our energy in fighting the evil of the world and not each other. Actually, I don’t even have to go outside of my Catholic community to see this infighting! This ministry is jealous of that ministry. ‘This is my place in the church since I ALWAYS sit here!’ These incidents are so disheartening. It is especially so when a stranger comes to our church and he is asked to move. I belong to a parish where the pastor must tend to two churches. I often hear parishioners say, ‘He is spending too much time at the other church.’ Again, this lack of unity among our sister-church can be very depressing.

The evil one must really be shouting with joy at seeing all of this occurring in Jesus’ Church.

We need to pray for unity among all of God’s children. We need to pray for the unity that exists among the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

May our Lady intercede for us and pray that we may become one in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

2011-02-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

“…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church…”

Peter was given the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. He was named as the foundation of the Church.

Peter, a fisherman, uneducated, weak, afraid, and who denied Jesus three times, was to be the leader. How many times do we ignore the opinions of those who are simple or uneducated? How many times do we question the faith of someone, whom we consider to be a sinner?

Peter, as meek and humble as he was, announced to Jesus “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” How could he come up with such a statement? Jesus says that this revelation came from God the Father.

On Pentecost, after the disciples received the Holy Spirit, this meek, humble, and uneducated man went outside, preached and converted 3,000. How was this possible?

Peter, by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, went on to be the first Pope. He united and guided the Church, as instructed by Jesus.

What about us? We have received the gifts of the Holy Spirit by virtue of our Baptism. Are we willing to express our faith to the public or do we say, “I’m afraid! or “I don’t know what to say!

When it comes to matters of the faith, education does not play a part. This is something that I constantly struggle with. I feel that I must prepare my responses in reference to matters of the Faith. I need to forget about my degrees, and concentrate on the gifts of the Holy Spirit since it is through the gifts, that will put me on the path to the heavenly Jerusalem.

Come, Holy Spirit, guide me to be like St. Peter. Amen.

BLINDNESS OR COMMITMENT?

2011-02-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

Mark 8, 22-26

Jesus heals a blind man in today’s Gospel; however, He has to do it in two stages. The first time, Jesus asks him if he can see, the man says that he sees people, who are walking around looking like trees. The second time, when Jesus asks him if he can see, the man is able to see clearly and is cured.

The Gospel focuses on the blindness of the disciples, especially of Peter. Peter and the disciples are finding it very hard to understand and accept the Cross, which Jesus speaks about. All of us are blind!

During the time of our Lord, the law stated that all persons crucified were considered condemned by God; therefore, Peter, in particular, rebuked Jesus for talking about such a Cross.

We say that we believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah, yet, we do not wish to suffer! Jesus is very explicit when He says “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.…Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 9:34, 38)

Wow! Jesus could be addressing us now in the present time, ‘this faithless and sinful generation.’ Just look at the values that the various media encourages.

Are we ashamed of acknowledging that we are Catholics? How many of us won’t even say the grace before meals out in public or wear the ashes all day on Ash Wednesday? These very minor practices of our Faith, which we are ashamed to do, lead to the rejection of major beliefs and precepts of our Church: abortion, divorce, homosexuality, etc.

We must stop and rethink our personal values and beliefs. Are we willing to serve others in the name of Jesus? Are we willing to accept our illnesses and setbacks as our crosses and to offer them up as reparation for our sins?

I pray that we, as a family of Christ, may joyfully carry our crosses so that when we enter into the Father’s glory, the Son of Man will not be ashamed of us. Amen.

Yeast of Herod

2011-02-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns the disciples: “Look out for the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod”. Mark 8:15.

I have never baked with yeast. To me, it is such a complicated process. You start with a little package of yeast, add it and the other ingredients to the flour, cover it, and lo and behold, it starts to rise, and rise, and rise.

In the same way, as the yeast influences the flour, we are being influenced by the culture of the world. Everywhere we turn, we see evil lurking. With present day technology, we are present at all the ‘events’ of the world. We see and hear gory details of murder, rape, sexual encounters, etc. on television, in the newspapers, and on the internet. What has become so disturbing is that much of this is being broadcasted during prime time news and hours when our children are watching.

In addition, as the yeast ‘grows’, so does the gossip. You tell one person a ‘short story’ about someone else, and this story starts circulating, until it becomes a novel. As one blogger puts it: “Is it true, kind, and necessary?”

The Yeast, that we should be allowing to take over our hearts, minds, and souls, is the Body of Christ. When we receive communion, His flesh and blood becomes ours! Have you stopped and thought about that?

So many of us receive the bread and wine on a daily basis, yet we do not fully comprehend the great Mystery that is occurring in our bodies.

"By Holy Communion, we are changed into the flesh of Him became our flesh."

--St. Leo the Great

Come, Holy Spirit, come. Make us pure in spirit so that the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ will permeate in our beings so that when people see us, they will see Jesus. Amen

BE OPENED!

2011-02-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

In the readings of today, we hear Genesis 3:7 and Mark 7, 31-37 and about two very different situations, where ‘openness’ occurs.

In the first reading, Adam and Eve eat of the forbidden fruit. “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked….” This disobedience of Adam and Eve opened the way to original sin. They opened the way for the tendency of sin, which is inherent in each one of us. Disobedience in every shape and form was born.

In the Gospel of Mark 7, 31-37, a deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus. Jesus takes the man aside. “He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then He looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to (the man), “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be Opened!”) And [immediately] the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly…the more he (Jesus) ordered them not to (tell anyone), the more they proclaimed it…He has done all things well.” The people could not keep more proclaiming the wonders that Jesus was performing. Jesus, again, is opening the way for non-Jews to accept his Word and follow him. Remember that our Lord tells his disciples to go and teach to all nations.

Are we opened to the Word of God? Are we opened to proclaim the Word to our fellow men? Or, are we to continue to follow in the footsteps of our first parents and give in to the sinful tendency of our souls?

As baptized members of the Body of Christ, we are to evangelize to all the Good News!

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit give me a willing heart to do your will. Help me to not be embarrassed to speak boldly about you. Amen.

A Child of God or A Dog?

2011-02-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

Mark 7:27: "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs."

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is addressing a non-Jew as a dog. This seems to be very harsh treatment by our Lord. However, the woman is persistent in asking that her daughter be rid of the demon. Jesus finally relents and heals the daughter.

Jesus is opening the way to us, the Gentiles, by doing what the woman requested. He is trying to rid his followers of the preconceptions that they have experienced during their lives. Just as Jesus was accepting of this foreigner, He wants us to do the same of all, who are different from us.

Are we accepting of all? Do we welcome strangers into our midst, especially into our church communities? How do we treat immigrants? Are we following the ‘new’ culture of the U. S. and discriminate those who do not speak English? Do we, the senior-citizens, accept the youth and their fads?

In the Old Testament, among rivalries, people would call each other dogs. Jesus changed this.

Let us pray that we may not treat others as dogs.

May our Lord, Jesus, help me to accept all, in particular those who may not belong to the Catholic Church. Guide me to see You in my fellow-man. Amen

TRASH IN, TRASH OUT

2011-02-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

"All these evils come from within." -Mark 7:23

In today’s Gospel, our Lord explains that the foods we eat are not what make us unclean. He says that evil comes from our hearts; whatever we see or hear goes into our hearts.

Several years ago I decided not to read books, which contain sexual and violent material. I also stopped watching rated R movies. I felt that trash into my heart and mind would produce trash in my actions and speech. Needless to say, there is very little television that I watch. Sometimes, even the daily news becomes more than I can handle. In addition, I have become very selective in my reading material.

I don’t consider myself to be a righteous or a goody-good person. I just know that listening/seeing trash can produce a gutter-thinking/ speaking person.

For example:

· the music that is promoted for our youth

· the pornography

· the killings of the unborn

These are just some of the examples that permeate in our society and which many persons tend to accept as normal.

I pray to the Holy Spirit to guide me in my prayer life so that I may become closer to our Lord. I pray that my heart and mind be cleanse so that I may receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. Amen

UNCLEAN

2011-02-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Mark 7:6

“… This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

Today’s Gospel talks about how the Pharisees called the disciples of Christ unclean. The Pharisees were being hypocritical; how about us?

How many of us say that we follow the commandments and precepts of the Church? How many of us attend Mass and receive the Body and Blood of Christ?

How many of us before we even leave the parking lot have taken our Lord’s name in vain or spoken ill of another parishioner?

How many of us turn the other way when we encounter a homeless person?

How many of us don’t take the time to attend Mass on Sundays?

How many of us have used birth control methods to prevent pregnancies or even had abortions?

How many of us are too busy accumulating materials goods and not spending time taking care of our spiritual needs?

The list could go on and on. We say one thing, but mean or do another. We send mixed messages to our children: Do as I tell you, but not as I do.

Help me, Lord Jesus, to do your will. Help me to follow the commandments and precepts of the Church. Come, Lord Jesus, enter my mind and heart so that my heart may guide my mind in doing what you expect of me.

End Abortion

2011-01-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

Gov. Rick Perry announced on Saturday, January 22, 2011 to a group of anti-abortion protesters that legislation, which would require women seeking an abortion to have a sonogram first, is an ‘emergency that merits expedited consideration by the Legislature. A bill backed by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Houston state Sen. Dan Patrick to require sonograms will be granted emergency status.’ This means that the Legislature must take up the matter before the 60^th day of the session.

Sen. Patrick’s bill would, therefore, require the following of women seeking an abortion:

· To receive a sonogram

· To listen to a doctor’s explanation of the physical characteristics of the fetus

· To hear the audio of the heartbeat, and

· To be informed about alternatives to abortion at least 24 hours before the procedure

According to the San Antonio Express News dated Sunday, January 23, 2011, Republicans are two votes short of a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

I urge each and every one of you to contact your Texas state senator and demand that he or she vote for this bill.

According to the latest statistics from the Texas Department of State Health Services, a total of 81,079 induced abortions were reported in 2007.

As Catholics, we are required to do everything possible to end abortion, so please:

CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR FOR A QUICK PASSAGE OF THIS BILL.

"Saul or Paul?"

2011-01-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

Today, as we celebrate the feast day of “The Conversion of St. Paul,” we need to reflect as to which are we at this point in time of our lives.

Saul was raised a Jew and followed zealously the law of God, according to his ancestors. He persecuted the early Christians, followers of the Way. He was also responsible for the death of the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen. From what St. Paul tells us in the Acts of the Apostles, he was a big-time sinner.

Then, as Saul was on his way to Damascus, he sees a great light and hears, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? He replies, “Who are you, sir?”…The reply was, “I am Jesus, the Nazorean, whom you are persecuting. Saul is then told by Jesus to continue to Damascus. A disciple of Christ named Ananias is told to go to Saul. Ananias said, “The God of our ancestors designated you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of his voice; for you will be witness before all to what you have seen and heard. Now, why delay? Get up and have yourself baptized and your sins washed away, calling upon his name.”

Are we a Saul, still in the sinning mode, afraid to go to confession? Have we seen a great light or even a flicker and have ignored it? Have we heard our Lord calling us, but we refuse to heed Him?

As Saul’s sins were forgiven, Paul was told what to do and became one of the greatest apostles on earth.

We, as Paul, are being called to do the will of God. Are we listening? Do we see Christ in our brothers or sisters? As Jesus said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me.”

As I tend to the needs of my husband, may I see Jesus in him. Amen!!

Roe vs Wade

2011-01-22T05:49:00.001-08:00

Continue to pray for the end of abortion! Today on the anniversary of Roe vs Wade, take time to say a rosary for the unborn.

Wasted Day?

2011-01-20T09:35:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was what I consider a long, perhaps wasted, day.

We went to 6:30 a.m. morning Mass, and participated in the fellowship afterwards. We usually take breakfast on Wednesday. I assisted with the finances at church until 9:00. Then, I took my husband to the doctor. Afterwards, we went to eat and then, to the grocery store. We arrived home at 1:30 p.m. I rested for an hour, then, went to pick up our grandson from school. As you all know, children arrive starving from school. So I fixed him some nachos. I tried to tidy up a bit around the house, and then, my granddaughter, who was celebrating her birthday, her sister and mother stopped by since I had a cake for her. By the time we finished and they left, it was time to get ourselves ready for bed. Wow! What a day, almost nonstop!

As I was lying in bed, contemplating that I had accomplished nothing, the Holy Spirit prompted me to rethink my day!

1. What a wonderful opportunity that my husband and I have to start our mornings with Our Lord, Jesus, in the Holy Eucharist. We, the body of Christ, after having received our spiritual food, continue with His graces, when we meet in fellowship and partake of earthly food. We enjoy ourselves talking and laughing with our friends.

2. Then, it was time to help in the church’s office with the finances. Is this considered a spiritual ministry? Perhaps in a way, it is since we are helping our priest with some of the work that he must deal with.

3. It was now time to take my husband to the doctor. What a chore I have thought this is, but as I thought more about it, I realized that I was performing an act of mercy: taking care of the sick. Amen, Jesus!

4. Having had breakfast before 7:30 a.m., we were now hungry! My husband had wanted ‘carne guisada’ for some time, but I never like it when I make it, so I decided to treat him. Therefore, we went to a restaurant to eat. This was quite enjoyable!

5. For those of you that live in my area, you know how hectic it is to go shopping in our neighborhood grocery store. Well, as always, we immediately met an old acquaintance. I spoke briefly with them and left my husband chatting away. I had to get a birthday cake and ice cream for my oldest granddaughter. Finishing, we finally made it home.

6. Rested for awhile and then went to pick up our grandson from school since he was having a sleepover. He requested his favorite for a snack: bean/cheese nachos! This is LOVE!

7. I tried to tidy up a bit since I had been on the go all day. Hey, what is that saying: Cleanliness is next to Godliness!

8. It was finally time for the birthday girl to arrive. My two granddaughters, my daughter-in-law, my grandson and we were ready to have our “mini-party.” Again, if this is not LOVE, what is?

I thank you, Lord, for a wonderful day. It was full of loving and caring.

Now, I ask you to rethink about your horrible days. Are they truly bad? Think of all the good that you have done or have been done to you. May the Holy Spirit awaken in you the good that you have. AMEN

Signal Graces

2011-01-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

Many of us are in the habit of daily reciting the rosary; however, are you aware of the Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians who recite the Rosary. I know that I had forgotten them. Since our parish has received calendars which focus on these fifteen promises, then I will become more familiar with them.

The very first promise states: Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary shall receive signal graces.

I know about actual grace and sanctifying grace, but I don’t remember signal graces.

According to The Rosary Foundation (www.erosary.com):

“Signal Graces are signs sent by God to help us make the right decisions in life. Moses saw a burning bush as a sign from God, and other people received signs from God daily. Signal graces usually come about as subtle hints to help keep us moving in the right direction - these signs are truly gifts from God.

Remember - there is no such thing as a coincidence, everything happens for a reason! By praying the rosary you will be more conscious of the way that God tries to help you and speak to you every day.”

I pray that Our Lady may help me become more conscious of the signs sent by her Son, through the Holy Spirit and that I may act on them according to His will, and not mine.

What Can I Write About?

2011-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

I had started so faithfully on the 1st of the year, but I ran out of steam. I wish I were like others, who can voice their faith so enthusiastically without any thought. I, on the other hand, must think about what I want to say. Is this the educator in me? Someone, I know, pointed that out to me. Since I have been such a structured individual, I am having a hard time, relaxing and letting the Holy Spirit just take over my mind, heart, and soul.
I attend daily Mass, pray the rosary, and read the Bible, yet I feel I am still missing something. Please pray for me that I may accept the gifts that our Lord wants me to have. Perhaps, my gift is not being spontaneous in my speaking the faith. Perhaps, it is in only being a role model, which can be a very challenging task.
Until next time! May God bless all who read this!

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

2011-01-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

January 3, 2011 THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS

"You shall not take the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished him who takes his name in vain”. (Exodus 20:7)

Now a days, everywhere we turn, we hear or see blasphemy. It is rare to watch a movie or television show and not hear the ‘taking of the Lord’s name in vain.’ Even among of us, who are churchgoers, we hear “Jesus Christ!” The holy name being used, not as a prayer, but as an alternative for other words, during times of anger, frustration, etc,

Here are some prayers we can say when confronted by such blasphemy.

1. "Golden Arrow"

(This prayer is said to have been revealed by Jesus Himself to a Carmelite Nun of Tours in 1843 as a reparation for blasphemy. "This Golden Arrow will wound My Heart delightfully," He said, "and heal the wounds inflicted by blasphemy.")

“May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most mysterious and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in heaven on earth and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sacrament of the altar”.

Imprimatur - T. J. Toolen, Archbishop of Mobile-Birm.

2. Praise to the Holy Name of Jesus

The Holy Name of our Saviour is taken in vain so often. When we hear someone use the Name above all names as a common swear word, we can cross ourselves and reverence the precious Name being defamed.

Another commendable practice involves the devout, fervent recitation of the following prayer:

"May the Holy Name of Jesus be infinitely blessed!
May the Holy Name of Jesus be infinitely blessed!
May the Holy Name of Jesus be infinitely blessed!
May the Holy Name of Jesus be infinitely blessed!
May the Holy Name of Jesus be infinitely blessed!"

Sweet Jesus, send the Holy Spirit to guide me so that I may glorify and praise your most holy name. May I always be reverent when speaking your precious name. Amen.

"God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"

-Philippians 2:9-10

The Epiphany

2011-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Traditionally, the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated on January 6^th. However, in the United States, the feast has been transferred to a Sunday. In 2011, it falls on January 2^nd.

This feast celebrates the epiphany (manifestation) of Christ to the Gentiles, symbolized by Christ's manifestation to the Magi (Wise Men).

There are many legends about the visit of the Magi or Wise Men. First of all, there is no evidence to confirm the number of Magi. Second, the number three (3) is used because of the number of gifts. Third, Christian writers have always referred to them as kings, but, again, nothing can historically prove that. Fourth, as of the 6^th century, the Magi have been called Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar in the Western church. Fifth, according to the Catholic Source Book , Saint Bede the Venerable provided some interesting information. In addition to the names already mentioned above, he went as far as describing them. Melchior was ‘an old man, with white hair and a long beard; he offered gold to the Lord as to his King. The second, Gaspar by name, young, beardless, of ruddy hue, offered to Jesus his gift of incense, the homage due to Divinity. The third, of black complexion, with heavy beard, was middle-aged and called Balthasar. The myrrh, he held in his hand, prefigured the death of the son of Man.’ All of these details are fun, interesting, but not historically true.

What we do know about the Magi is found in Matthew’s Gospel and is the only evangelist who mentions this story.

1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,

2 behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star 3 at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 6 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." 9 After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 5 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

My Jesus, may I never forget that you are my Lord, King and God and that you died on the cross for me a sinner. May I offer the little that I have, my aches, pains, trials, disappointments for you in praise and thanksgiving. Amen

Trivia Question:

In Mexico, on what day did they traditionally receive and exchange gifts?

Answer to 1/1/11 question: The Feast of the Circumcision of the Child Jesus.

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

2011-01-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

Mary’s Child = Son of God (Luke 1:26-38)

Mary = Mother of my Lord (Luke 1:39-45)

Mary = Mother of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18-25)

Jesus Christ = God (John 20:28)

Therefore, Mary is the Mother of God

APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
OF HIS HOLINESS PAUL VI

MARIALIS CULTUS

February 2, 1974

…In the revised ordering of the Christmas period it seems to us that the attention of all should be directed towards the restored Solemnity of Mary the holy Mother of God. This celebration, placed on January 1 in conformity with the ancient indication of the liturgy of the City of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the "holy Mother...through whom we were found worthy to receive the Author of life."(17) It is likewise a fitting occasion for renewing adoration of the newborn Prince of Peace, for listening once more to the glad tidings of the angels (cf. Lk. 2:14), and for imploring from God, through the Queen of Peace, the supreme gift of peace. It is for this reason that, in the happy concurrence of the Octave of Christmas and the first day of the year, we have instituted the World Day of Peace, an occasion that is gaining increasing support and already bringing forth fruits of peace in the hearts of many.

Mary, mother of God, pray for us. Our families, communities, and the world are in such turmoil. Intercede for us that we may receive the peace and unity that we pray for.

Church Trivia Question:

What feast was originally celebrated on January 1st before the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God?

Answer in tomorrow's blog.

What is Basic Training for Catholics?

2010-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stopped to think how long basic training is for our military personnel? Most branches of service have a nine-week basic training program. At the end of this period, the young men and women are full-fledged soldiers. Additional training may be needed for specialized fields.

We, on the other hand, must go through basic training our entire earthly life in order to gain the kingdom of God. Yet, we have a cheering squad praying for us 24/7. As members of the Catholic Church, we believe in the “communion of saints.” These are all our brothers and sisters on earth, in heaven and in purgatory. “…since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

As we begin this new year, may the Holy Spirit guide us in our pilgrimage as we discover or rediscover, whichever the case may be, of the ‘gems’ of our Catholic faith.