MARY, OUR MOTHER

Believe like you mean it

2012-01-26T19:22:00.001-05:00

Dear Friend in Christ,
The world would most definitely be a better place if more Catholics lived, professed and fought for their Faith as what it really is - the fullness of Truth on Earth. Please watch this episode of The Vortex and pass it on to as many people as you know.

GOD Bless you and your loved ones,

Michael Voris
~senior executive producer at RealCatholicTV.com

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Children Stone Jesus

2012-01-26T15:41:00.001-05:00

Children Throw Grenades And Worse
At Jesus In New Blasphemous Play…

Stand Up For Our Lord And

Protest Today

Dear Deacon Giglio,

I pray you will join our protest of a blasphemous new theater play called On The Concept of the Face...

Because in the play the Holy Face of Jesus is subjected to the most vile possible insults and mockeries!

(READ WITH CAUTION... this is highly blasphemous!...and also vulgar.)

According to reviews of the theater play On The Concept of the Face... in the play:

“…a son taking care of his incontinent father. He wants to go to work, but his father ***** himself again and again. You see the brown stains on his diaper … You even smell the horrible stench.

“Then nine kids walk on stage. They take off their backpacks and start taking out grenades. They take out the pin and start throwing them at the face of Christ. Each time they hit the painting you hear a loud bang.

“The last scene is entirely about that painting.”

Protest! Now

The Last Scene:
(The review’s wording is too vile to continue with, so I’ll take it from here.)

It looks like a large knife slashes the face of Christ. Large, red-brown streaks, a nod to the feces in the previous scene, ‘bleed’ out and spread over His face, before a black veil of the ‘tears’ entirely covers the portrait of the Son of God.

The painting is finally torn up, giving way to a large black panel. Above, in large letters, one can read, You are my shepherd. There’s another word that comes into view as well: not. You are not my shepherd.

This play has been touring major European cities since the summer of 2011, but, sadly, we have only just come across it.

As you receive this e-mail, it is in its last day showing in Milan, Italy.

BUT,
it is scheduled to show from February 1 – February 5
at the deSingel International Arts Campus
in the city of Antwerp, Belgium,
so there’s no time to lose,
protest now!

You and I both know that it makes no difference whatsoever where the Satanic head of blasphemy rears itself... If we know about it, we MUST defend the honor of God.

Hopefully, if everyone who gets this email actually peacefully and legally defends Our Lord’s honor and protests, then we will have a very practical effect upon the administrators of the deSignell “Arts” campus and maybe they’ll stop the blasphemous play from showing. If not, at least we will have done our duty to God.

	Sincerely,

	Robert E. Ritchie America Needs Fatima www.ANF.org

P.S. http://campaigns.americaneedsfatima.org/index.php?option=com_content&view..." title="" target="_blank">Protest now, because protests work. Their biggest effect is in heaven, where God looks for His children to defend His Honor. Their second effect is in your own spiritual life for defending the honor of God. And their third effect is on the sponsors, venues, and prospective customers of the evil being protested, as a deterrent to sin.

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The Conversion of Saint Paul by Fr. MacRae

2012-01-25T17:16:00.001-05:00

If there is anyone in your life for whom you have come close to giving up any hope for redemption or fundamental change, then this week's post on These Stone Walls is for you. Please read and share with others "The Conversion of Saint Paul and the Cost of Discipleship."

FR. GORDON J. MACRAE

on JANUARY 25, 2012 ·

. . . Saint Stephen, the first martyr in the Christian world, was stoned to death. Stephen was one of “The Seven” appointed to serve tables – the traditional role of a deacon – in the Church at Jerusalem. He was brought before the Sanhedrin to answer for placing final authority in Christ instead of in the high priest and Temple. The mob was stirred up against him by the Sanhedrin, and he was stoned. No one present at the stoning of Saint Stephen could have possibly predicted the transformation of Saul into the Apostle Paul. Consider this one passage and feel its chill: . . .

http://www.thesestonewalls.com/

--
Sent on behalf of

These Stone Walls

www.TheseStoneWalls.com

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January 25, 2012 Medjugorje Message

2012-01-25T16:39:00.001-05:00

January 26, 2012

Dear Family of Mary!

Image via Wikipedia

The Monthly Message of Our Lady of Medjugorje for January 25, 2012 (through Marjia):

"Dear children! With joy, also today I call you to open your hearts and to listen to my call. Anew, I desire to draw you closer to my Immaculate Heart, where you will find refuge and peace. Open yourselves to prayer, until it becomes a joy for you. Through prayer, the Most High will give you an abundance of grace and you will become my extended hands in this restless world which longs for peace. Little children, with your lives witness faith and pray that faith may grow day by day in your hearts. I am with you. Thank you for having responded to my call." (January 25. 2012)

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

Cathy Nolan

(The next reflection will be for January 27, 2012)

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TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/25/2012

2012-01-25T11:06:00.001-05:00

Citing of the Week

"To what degree must we admit that the problem side of things is profoundly related even to what gives life in a particular situation? How many of us know someone whose very gifts are tied up with what makes them difficult at times?"

--© Bryan Froehle, 2012, Pastoral Trends, PrepareTheWord.com

Promote vocations

Send spiritual seekers to VisionGuide.org or VocationMatch.com for more inspiration and information.

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Wednesday, January 25
FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF PAUL, APOSTLE

You’re never an impossible mission for God
The details of the story vary, but whatever happened to Saint Paul on the road near Damascus was literally a turning point in his life. What was so incredible about Paul’s “turning around”—his conversion—was not only the dramatic suddenness of it but also the fact that it happened in the midst of his persecution of Christians. He literally changed sides in mid-stride, switching his allegiances completely. Paul’s conversion was a decisive statement on God’s part that personal change is always possible. Have faith, and therefore hope, in that power today.

TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 22:3-16 or 9:1-22; Mark 16:15-18 (519)
“About noon a great light from the sky suddenly shone around me.”

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VISnews: 1/25/2012

2012-01-25T10:59:00.001-05:00

SUMMARY:

- Christian Unity Requires Individual Conversion

- All Christians Have the Duty to Announce the Gospel

- Other Pontifical Acts

___________________________________________________________

CHRISTIAN UNITY REQUIRES INDIVIDUAL CONVERSION

VATICAN CITY, 25 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Benedict XVI dedicated his catechesis during this morning's general audience to Christ's priestly prayer during the Last Supper, as narrated in chapter 17 of the Gospel of St. John. In order to understand this prayer "in all its immense richness", said the Pope, it is important to see it in the context of the Jewish feast of atonement, Yom Kippur, in which the high priest seeks atonement first for himself, then for the order of priests and finally for the community as a whole. Likewise, "that night Jesus addressed the Father at the moment in which He offered Himself. He, priest and victim, prayed for Himself, for the Apostles and for all those who would believe in Him".

The prayer which Jesus prays for Himself is the request for His own glorification. "It is in fact more than a request", the Holy Father said, "it is a declaration of willingness to enter freely and generously into the Father's plan, which is accomplished through death and resurrection. ... Jesus begins His priestly prayer by saying: 'Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you'. The glorification Jesus seeks for Himself, as High Priest, is to be fully obedient to the Father, an obedience which leads Him to fulfil His filial status: 'So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed'".

The second part of Jesus' prayer is His intercession for the disciples who have followed Him, and His request that they may be sanctified. Jesus says: 'They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth'. Benedict XVI explained how "To sanctify means to transfer something - a person or an object - to God. This involves two complementary aspects: on the one hand, the idea of 'segregation' ... from man's personal life in order to be completely given over to God; on the other hand there is the idea of 'being sent out', of mission. Having been given to God, the consecrated thing or person exists for others. ... A person is sanctified when, like Jesus, he is segregated from the world, set aside for God in view of a task and, for this reason, available for everyone. For disciples this means continuing Jesus' mission".

In the third phase of the priestly prayer, "Jesus asks the Father to intervene in favour of all those who will be brought to the faith by the mission inaugurated by the Apostles. ... 'I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word'. ... Jesus prays for the Church in all times, He also prays for us. ... The main element in Jesus' priestly prayer for His disciples is His request for the future unity of those who will believe in Him. This unity is not a worldly achievement. It derives exclusively from divine unity and comes down to us from the Father, through the Son and in the Holy Spirit".

By this priestly prayer Jesus establishes the Church, "which is nothing other than the community of disciples who, through their faith in Christ as the One sent by the Father, receive His unity and are involved in Jesus' mission to save the world by leading it to a knowledge of God".

Benedict XVI invited the faithful to read and meditate upon Jesus priestly prayer, and to pray to God themselves, asking Him "to help us enter fully into the plan He has for each of us. Let us ask Him to consecrate us to Himself, that we may belong to Him and show increasing love for others, both near and far. Let us ask Him to help us open our prayers to the world, not limiting them to requests for help in our own problems, but remembering our fellow man before the Lord and learning the beauty of interceding for others. Let us ask Him for the gift of visible unity among all those who believe in Christ, ... that we may be ready to respond to anyone who asks us about the reasons for our hope".

At the end of his audience, Benedict XVI delivered greetings in various languages to the pilgrims and faithful gathered in the Paul VI Hall, reminding them that today's Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul marks the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Addressing Polish faithful he said: "The conversion of the Apostle of the Gentiles near Damascus is proof that, in the final analysis, it is God Himself Who decides the destiny of His Church. Let us ask Him for the grace of unity, which also requires our individual conversion, while remaining faithful to the truth and love of God".

AG/ VIS 20120125 (826)

ALL CHRISTIANS HAVE THE DUTY TO ANNOUNCE THE GOSPEL

VATICAN CITY, 25 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Made public today was the Pope's Message for World Mission Day, which falls this year on Sunday 21 October. The theme of the document is: "Called to radiate the word of truth". Extracts of the message are given below.

"This year the celebration of World Mission Day is particularly significant. The fiftieth anniversary of the conciliar Decree 'Ad gentes', the opening of the Year of Faith and the Synod of Bishops on the theme of the new evangelisation all come together to reaffirm the Church's will to dedicate herself with greater courage and ardour to the 'missio ad gentes', that the Gospel may reach the ends of the earth.

"Vatican Council II, with the participation of Catholic bishops from every corner of the world, was a luminous sign of the Church's universality. ... Missionary bishops and autochthonous bishops, pastors of communities living among non-Christian peoples, ... all made an important contribution to reaffirming the pressing need of 'ad gentes' evangelisation and, consequently, to placing the missionary nature of the Church at the centre of ecclesiology".

"Today this view ... remerges with renewed urgency because the number of those who do not yet know Christ has increased. ... We need, then, to retrieve the apostolic zeal of the early Christian communities which, small and defenceless, were nonetheless capable, through announcement and witness, of spreading the Gospel throughout the then-known world.

"It is no surprise, then, that Vatican Council II and the subsequent Magisterium of the Church place particular emphases on the missionary mandate which Christ entrusted to His disciples, and which is the duty of all the people of God (bishops, priests, deacons, religious and lay people). Announcing the Gospel in every corner of the world is the primary responsibility of bishops, who are directly responsible for evangelising the world".

"The command to preach the Gospel ... must involve all actions and sectors of a particular Church, its entire being and activity. Vatican Council II made this very clear and subsequent Magisterium has underlined it strongly. This means the constant adaptation of lifestyles, pastoral plans and diocesan organisation to this fundamental dimension of the Church's being, especially in our continually changing world. ... All the components of the great mosaic of the Church must be aware that they are touched by the Lord's command to preach the Gospel, so that Christ may be announced everywhere. We pastors, religious and all Christ's faithful must follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul who ... worked, suffered and struggled to bring the Gospel among the pagans, not sparing energy, time or means to make Christ's message known".

"Missionary cooperation must expand to include new forms, not only economic assistance but also direct participation in evangelisation. The celebration of the Year of Faith and of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelisation will be useful occasions to relaunch missionary cooperation, especially in the latter dimension".

"The immense horizons of the Church's mission and the complexity of today's situation call for new ways of effectively communicating the word of God. First and foremost this requires a renewed adherence of individual and community faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ 'especially at a time of profound change such as humanity is currently experiencing'.

"One of the obstacles to evangelisation is, in fact, the crisis of faith, not only in the Western world but among a large part of humankind, which nonetheless hungers and thirsts for God, and which must be invited and led to the bread of life and the living water. ... We must renew our enthusiasm to communicate the faith, so as to promote new evangelisation in communities and countries of ancient Christian tradition, which are losing their reference to God, and help them rediscover the joy of believing. Concern for evangelisation must never remain at the margins of Christians' ecclesial activity or individual lives, it must characterise them strongly in their awareness of being both beneficiaries and missionaries of the Gospel The central point of our announcement always remains the same: ... the 'kerygma' of God's absolute and total love for each man and woman, which culminated in His sending the eternal and only-begotten Son, the Lord Jesus, Who did not disdain to take on the poverty of our human nature, loving it and saving it from sin and death by the offer of Himself upon the cross".

"Faith is a gift that was given to us to be shared. ... It is the most important gift of our lives and we cannot keep it to ourselves".

"Many priests and religious from all over the world, many lay people and even entire families leave their countries, their local communities, and travel to other Churches to bear witness to and announce the Name of Christ. ... This is an expression of profound communion, sharing and charity among Churches".

"Together with this exalted sign of faith transformed into charity, I would like to mention and thank the Pontifical Missionary Works, which is an instrument for cooperation in the Church's universal mission in the world. Thanks to their activities the announcement of the Gospel is transformed into assistance to others, justice for the poorest, education in isolated villages, medical care in remote areas, liberation from want, rehabilitation of the marginalised, support for the development of peoples, the breaking down of ethnic divisions and respect for life in all its stages".

"Upon the work of evangelisation 'ad gentes', and especially upon those who carry it out, I invoke the effusion of the Holy Spirit, that the grace of God may make it ever more decisive in the history of the world".

MESS/ VIS 20120125 (950)

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, 25 JAN 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Bishop Joseph Coutts of Faisalabad, Pakistan, as archbishop of Karachi (area 180,000, population 15,536,000, Catholics 150,000, priests 40, religious 185), Pakistan. He succeeds Archbishop Evarist Pinto, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Paul Abel Mamba, apostolic administrator of Ziguinchor, Senegal, as bishop of the same diocese (area , population , Catholics , priests , permanent deacons , religious ). The bishop-elect was born in Cabrousse, Senegal in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1988. He has sent periods of study in Cameroon and France, and has served in pastoral roles and as bursar of seminaries and dioceses in Senegal.

- Appointed Msgr. Udo Breitbach, bureau chief of the Congregation for Bishops, as under secretary of the same congregation.

- Appointed as consultors of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Fr. Paolo Martinelli, O.F.M. Cap., president of the Franciscan Institute of Spirituality at the "Antonianum" Pontifical Athenaeum in Rome, and Fr. Maurizio Gronchi of the clergy of the archdiocese of Pisa, Italy, professor at the Faculty of Theology of Rome's Pontifical Urban University.

NER:RE:NA/ VIS 20120125 (210)

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Asia Bibi Update

2012-01-25T10:52:00.001-05:00

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Hopes for Asia Bibi, but "the extremists would not accept her release"

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - "Even if her accuser changed his mind and withdrew the false accusations that led to Asia Bibi's sentence for blasphemy, the Islamic extremists would not accept her release. Asia Bibi, for them, remains blasphemous for life and is in danger of life": is what the Dominican Fr James Channan OP, Director of the "Dominican Peace Center" in Lahore says to Fides, commenting on the rumors circulating about the possible change in Qari Salam's testimony, among the accusers of the woman. "We all hope for a peaceful and appropriate resolution, but I can say that today the radical Islamist groups, although not very strong on a political and parliamentary level, are very influential and very powerful in the streets and squares: they have a great mobilization capacity and militants ready for anything. Asia Bibi, if she were released, would certainly not be safe", notes the Dominican, pointing out that an imam had even put a reward for who would kill Asia Bibi on his head.
While awaiting the date for the reopening of the appeal trial before the High Court of Lahore, Fr. Channan recalls the old problem of the judiciary system in Pakistan: "It is liable to pressure from Islamic extremists and far from guaranteeing justice, especially towards religious minorities". According to the priest, "this is evident to the Courts of first instance, but is also valid for the Courts of Appeal: let us remember it was the Lahore High Court which stopped President Zardari, who wanted to give Asia Bibi presidential forgiveness, while today a former president of Lahore High Court is Mumtaz Qadri's lawyer, Qadri confessed being Salman Taseer's murderer, governor of Punjab".
The fact that religious extremism is strong in the country, adds Fr Channan, is also demonstrated by "the long trail of excellent kidnappings and murders that follow: just think of the execration kidnapping of two European aid workers in Multan (the Italian Lo Porto and the German Johannes, ed), committed to helping flood victims" . Today, the Christian community in Pakistan, in particular, is concerned about a possible alliance of the "Muslim League-N" with small groups and fundamentalist Islamic religious parties, in sight of next year's elections. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/01/2012)

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Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/25/2012

2012-01-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

January 25, 2012

The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

Dear Family of Mary!

One of the main messages of Our Lady of Medjugorje is conversion. Conversion is the process of turning our hearts and lives towards God and His will for us, much like a flower turns towards the sun from which it draws its strength for life. God's will is our life source. It is not optional for life, it is life! And so, Our Lady urges us to convert with all our hearts so that we will live! Seeking God's will is nothing more than seeking God Himself as our greatest and only good. Conversion is that daily process of seeking God.

As we celebrate the dramatic and powerful conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle, maybe we can listen to some of Our Lady's messages about conversion. Through Saint Paul's intercession, we may be able to respond to her call to convert!

"Dear children! Today I invite you to prayer because only in prayer can you understand my coming here. The Holy Spirit will enlighten you to understand that you must convert. Little children, I wish to make of you a most beautiful bouquet prepared for eternity but you do not accept the way of conversion, the way of salvation that I am offering you through these apparitions. Little children, pray, convert your hearts and come closer to me. May good overcome evil. I love you and bless you. Thank you for having responded to my call." (July 25, 1995)

"Dear children! Today I invite you to open yourselves to God the Creator, so that He changes you. Little children, you are dear to me. I love you all and I call you to be closer to me and that your love towards my Immaculate Heart be more fervent. I wish to renew you and lead you with my Heart to the Heart of Jesus, which still today suffers for you and calls you to conversion and renewal. Through you, I wish to renew the world. Comprehend, little children, that you are today the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Little children, I invite you and I love you and in a special way implore: Convert! Thank you for having responded to my call." (October 25, 1996)

"Dear children! I call you all to conversion of heart. Decide, as in the first days of my coming here, for a complete change of your life. In this way, little children, you will have the strength to kneel and to open your hearts before God. God will hear your prayers and answer them. Before God, I intercede for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call." (August 25, 2004)

"Dear children! Nature is awakening and on the trees the first buds are seen which will bring most beautiful flowers and fruit. I desire that you also, little children, work on your conversion and that you be those who witness with their life, so that your example may be a sign and an incentive for conversion to others. I am with you and before my Son Jesus I intercede for your conversion. Thank you for having responded to my call." (February 25, 2011)

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

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Cathy Nolan

©Mary TV 2012

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[video] St. Paul Encountered Christ

2012-01-25T10:22:00.001-05:00

Encounter Christ

Reflection for 1/25/12

www.apostleshipofprayer.org More

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[video] Being Catholic is Something Beautiful

2012-01-24T19:01:00.001-05:00

It is a beautiful thing, to be a Catholic

A video I made for St. Theresa's Catholic Church More

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VIS News Update 1/24/2012

2012-01-24T15:26:00.001-05:00

SUMMARY:

- Presentation of Message for World Communications Day

- Silence and Word: Path of Evangelisation

- Other Pontifical Acts

___________________________________________________________

PRESENTATION OF MESSAGE FOR WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

VATICAN CITY, 24 JAN 2012 (VIS) - A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present Benedict XVI's Message for the forty-sixth World Day of Social Communications, entitled: "Silence and Word: Path of Evangelisation". Participating in today's conference were Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, Msgr. Paul Tighe, Msgr. Giuseppe Antonio Scotti and Angelo Scelzo, respectively president, secretary, adjunct secretary and under secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

Archbishop Celli recalled how, "each year in his Message for the World Day of Social Communications, the Pope has sought to analyse the culture of communication, offering guidance to modern man and directing the pastoral activity of the Church. Over recent years the Pope has been very attentive to the process and dynamics of communication, especially in the context of the cultural transformations that have arisen as a result of technological progress".

This year, however, "the Holy Father turns his attention to a 'classic' aspect of communication: 'silence'; or rather, the pairing of 'silence and word'. This aspect ... is becoming increasingly important in the context of digital culture", noted the president of the pontifical council, going on to explain how Benedict XVI focuses upon the importance of silence as part of authentic communication. Silence can be a vehicle of expression, it gives others the chance to speak and us the opportunity to listen, think and reflect, the archbishop said. "In essence, it is in silence that I am able to give communication its correct significance, and to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of communication itself.

"Silence has particular importance in the context of that incessant flow of questions which, in a certain sense, is the driving force of modern communication culture", he added. The Pope suggests "that at the heart of this flow of questions lies a fundamental question, which is the search for Truth. Here again the importance of silence emerges, as a place where human beings must face themselves and God". In silence mankind discovers "the possibility to speak with God and about God". For this reason Benedict XVI reminds people engaged in the task of evangelisation that "both silence and word are essential elements, integral to the Church's work of communication for the sake of a renewed proclamation of Christ in today's world".

CON-CS/ VIS 20120124 (390)

SILENCE AND WORD: PATH OF EVANGELISATION

VATICAN CITY, 24 JAN 2012 (VIS) - Today's Feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of journalists, marks the World Day of Social Communications, and the Holy Father's Message for the Day, entitled: "Silence and Word: Path of Evangelisation" was made public this morning. Ample excerpts from the English-language version of the text are given below.

On this "World Communications Day 2012,

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I would like to share with you some reflections concerning an aspect of the human process of communication which, despite its importance, is often overlooked and which, at the present time, it would seem especially necessary to recall. It concerns the relationship between silence and word: two aspects of communication which need to be kept in balance, to alternate and to be integrated with one another if authentic dialogue and deep closeness between people are to be achieved".

"Silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist. In silence, we are better able to listen to and understand ourselves; ideas come to birth and acquire depth. ... By remaining silent we allow the other person to speak, to express him or herself; and we avoid being tied simply to our own words and ideas without them being adequately tested. In this way, space is created for mutual listening, and deeper human relationships become possible. ... When messages and information are plentiful, silence becomes essential if we are to distinguish what is important from what is insignificant or secondary. Deeper reflection helps us ... to make evaluations, to analyse messages; this makes it possible to share thoughtful and relevant opinions, giving rise to an authentic body of shared knowledge. For this to happen, it is necessary to develop an appropriate environment, a kind of 'eco-system' that maintains a just equilibrium between silence, words, images and sounds.

"The process of communication nowadays is largely fuelled by questions in search of answers. Search engines and social networks have become the starting point of communication for many people who are seeking advice, ideas, information and answers. ... Indeed, people today are frequently bombarded with answers to questions they have never asked and to needs of which they were unaware. If we are to recognise and focus upon the truly important questions, then silence is a precious commodity that enables us to exercise proper discernment in the face of the surcharge of stimuli and data that we receive".

"Ultimately, this constant flow of questions demonstrates the restlessness of human beings, ceaselessly searching for truths, of greater or lesser import, that can offer meaning and hope to their lives. Men and women cannot rest content with a superficial and unquestioning exchange of sceptical opinions and experiences of life - all of us are in search of truth".

"Attention should be paid to the various types of websites, applications and social networks which can help people today to find time for reflection and authentic questioning, as well as making space for silence and occasions for prayer, meditation or sharing of the word of God. In concise phrases, often no longer than a verse from the Bible, profound thoughts can be communicated, as long as those taking part in the conversation do not neglect to cultivate their own inner lives. It is hardly surprising that different religious traditions consider solitude and silence as privileged states which help people to rediscover themselves and that Truth which gives meaning to all things. The God of biblical revelation speaks also without words: 'As the Cross of Christ demonstrates, God also speaks by His silence".

"If God speaks to us even in silence, we in turn discover in silence the possibility of speaking with God and about God. ... In speaking of God's grandeur, our language will always prove inadequate and must make space for silent contemplation. Out of such contemplation springs forth, with all its inner power, the urgent sense of mission, the compelling obligation 'to communicate that which we have seen and heard' so that all may be in communion with God".

"In silent contemplation, then, the eternal Word, through Whom the world was created, becomes ever more powerfully present and we become aware of the plan of salvation that God is accomplishing throughout our history by word and deed. ... This plan of salvation culminates in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the mediator and the fullness of all revelation. He has made known to us the true face of God the Father and by His Cross and Resurrection has brought us from the slavery of sin and death to the freedom of the children of God. The fundamental question of the meaning of human existence finds in the mystery of Christ an answer capable of bringing peace to the restless human heart. The Church's mission springs from this mystery; and it is this mystery which impels Christians to become heralds of hope and salvation, witnesses of that love which promotes human dignity and builds justice and peace.

"Word and silence: learning to communicate is learning to listen and contemplate as well as speak. This is especially important for those engaged in the task of evangelisation: both silence and word are essential elements, integral to the Church's work of communication for the sake of a renewed proclamation of Christ in today's world".

MESS/ VIS 20120124 (890)

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, 24 JAN 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Herve Gaschignard, auxiliary of Toulouse, France, as bishop of Aire et Dax (area 9,364, population 362,827, Catholics 261,000, priests 153, permanent deacons 14, religious 211), France. He succeeds Bishop Philippe Breton, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

NER:RE/ VIS 20120124 (70)

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Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/24/2012

2012-01-24T15:18:00.001-05:00

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January 24, 2012

St. Francis de Sales

Dear Family of Mary!

"Pray that you might be able to comprehend what God wants to tell you through my presence and through the messages that I am giving you." (November 25, 1991)

On Wednesday, January 25, we will receive a message from Our Lady, Queen of Peace. She has been giving messages on the 25th of the month for 25 years now as of this Wednesday! (She began giving us monthly message on January 25, 1987.) Twenty five years of consistent direction, teaching, encouragement and love.

I know that I have been very slowly changing because of these messages. At first, years ago, I listened to them, but they just didn't sink in. I had so many of my own ideas, plans, desires...I just didn't "get" what Our Lady was saying. She speaks so simply. I was looking for lots of words and deep theology. She was giving small doses of very good practical advice. Little did I know, those little doses of wisdom and direction began to work a change in me. One month at a time, I was being brought down on the ground, where my feet were being planted in reality. One message at a time, I was being given a new focus for my life, one based on prayer, love, hope, trust, and desire for God, but this focus was on reality, not on an unreal world of ideas.

Yes, I am 25 years older now, and so you might say that "life" has tempered me. I am much less idealistic. I don't think in terms of utopias and ideal societies, of perfect communities and such. I am more aware of my finite-ness, my weaknesses and vulnerability. But I am also very much aware of the opportunity God is giving me in this little, humble, finite reality to live for Him. And that is because of Our Lady's messages. She understands "little". She understands "finite". She understands me. Her messages speak to the real me, in my real circumstances and they help me to choose God, choose life, choose love, and choose hope. Those messages are meant for little guys like me!

Maybe it is the same for some of you. May

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be we are all growing smaller in scope because of Our Lady's message, but at the same time growing greater in reality. Maybe we are being planted firmly in the land of eternity because of Our Lady's guidance. I pray it is so!

"Today I pray for you and with you, that the Holy Spirit may help you and increase your faith, so that you may accept even more the messages that I am giving you here in this holy place. Little children, know that this is a time of grace for each of you; and with me, little children, you are secure. I desire to lead you all on the way of holiness. Live my message, and put into life every word that I am giving you. May they be precious to you because they come from Heaven." (June 25, 2002)

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

Cathy Nolan

©Mary TV 2012

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Thomas More Law Center Appeals Ninth Circuit's Anti-God Decision to the U.S. Supreme Court

2012-01-24T14:58:00.001-05:00

via thomasmore.org

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 24, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Thomas More Law Center announced today that it has appealed a controversial decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. The appeal was filed in the case of Bradley Johnson v. Poway Unified School District late last week.

For the past twenty-five years, Bradley Johnson, a high school math teacher at the Poway School District located in California had been displaying red, white and blue banners in his classroom that contained patriotic phrases such as: "In God We Trust," "One Nation Under God," and "God Bless America."

He displayed the banners pursuant to a 30-year school district policy that permitted teachers to maintain classroom displays of non-curricular messages that reflected their personal opinions and values. In effect, the school district designated classroom walls as forum for the expression of the teacher's private opinions and viewpoints.

However, in 2007 school officials ordered Johnson to remove his banners because they promoted a "Judeo-Christian" viewpoint.

In an outrageous case of double standard, school officials allowed other teachers to display non-Christian religious displays in their classrooms. These displays included a 40-foot string of Tibetan prayer flags with images of Buddha hung across a classroom, a poster with Hindu leader Mahatma Gandhi's "7 Social Sins;" a poster of Muslim leader Malcolm X; a poster of the Buddhist leader Dali Lama; and a poster containing the lyrics of John Lennon's anti-religion song "Imagine," which begins, Imagine there's no Heaven.

As a result, the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which defends the religious liberty of Christians, filed a federal lawsuit against the school district on behalf of Johnson.

On February 25, 2010, Federal District Judge Robert T. Benitez agreed with the Thomas More Law Center. He ruled that "Johnson was simply exercising his free speech rights on subjects that were otherwise permitted in the limited public forum created by Defendants" and that there was an "ongoing violation of his First Amendment free speech rights." Read Judge Benitez's opinion here.

However, the Poway School District appealed the ruling and a three judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed Judge Benitez's decision ruling that the school district was justified in removing banners that mentioned God, while leaving untouched the Tibetan Prayer flags and the images of Buddha.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, commented, "This case is a prime example of how public schools across our nation are cleansing our classrooms of our Christian heritage while promoting atheism and other non-Christian religions under the guise of cultural diversity."

Continued Thompson, "The Ninth Circuit Court's rationale in allowing the Tibetan Prayer Flags and references to other religions while outlawing America's patriotic slogans that mention God is unconvincing. Brad Johnson was simply exercising his free speech rights in a forum created by the school district to inform students of the religious foundations of our nation." Read Ninth Circuit Court opinion here.

Attempts to get a rehearing in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals failed, and so the Law Center pursued its only remaining option -- a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari (appeal) to the United States Supreme Court. Read Petition to Supreme Court here.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America's Judeo-Christian heritage and moral values, a strong national defense, and an independent and sovereign United States of America. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website www.thomasmore.org.

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Fatima Custodian Update

2012-01-24T14:37:00.001-05:00

http://www.americaneedsfatima.org/?utm_source=E0397&utm_medium=email&..." title="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ANFEmailPhotos/anf-email-header-cropped-700x100px.png" target="_blank">

Here’s How You Can Send A Special

Note Of Encouragement To A Fatima Custodian!

https://secure.americaneedsfatima.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=a..." title="" target="_blank">Kenneth Urgently Needs A New Van

Dear Deacon,

Will you join with others who are sending a special Note Of Encouragement to Kenneth Murphy?

He is a dedicated Fatima Custodian – working day and night to take Our Lady’s message to families across America.

And he drives an old van.

But he won’t stop doing Our Lady’s work! Despite his old van!

   In fact, just the other day he couldn’t keep the engine running, and so he took the van to an automotive repair shop.

    And the mechanic told him:

“Stop trying to repair this vehicle and get a new van. It's running on 5 cylinders instead of 6 and can't pass state inspection.”

https://secure.americaneedsfatima.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=a..." title="" target="_blank">

Bad news indeed! But what is he going to do? He certainly can’t afford to buy a van out of his own pocket.

So he is still driving that van, hoping and praying for the best.

And that’s why I want to send him a special Note of Encouragement, saying:

“Kenneth, you are not forgotten! And we are doing everything we can to get you a new van that you can depend on when the going gets rough!”

But I want to do more than just send him this note! I want to send him a new van!

And that’s where you come in. Your special gift right now will help me do that.

Will you help? If so, then please https://secure.americaneedsfatima.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=a..." title="" target="_blank">click here now.

I shudder when I think what could happen to Kenneth, or any of our other dedicated Fatima Custodians, unless we provide them with new vans. Think about this:

One Fatima Custodian’s vehicle broke down on the way back from a Fatima home visit. The motor of his Ford Tempo just died. It was late at night.

Alone and far from home, he had no idea where the nearest gas station might be, and he dared not leave Our Lady’s statue in the car and walk off to get assistance.

So he stayed in the car all night to make sure nothing happened to the statue of our Pilgrim Virgin.

Then, thanks be to God, the next morning a kind-hearted gentleman stopped and helped Jose tow his Tempo.

However, he was forced to cancel Our Lady’s visit to many homes, leaving many people sad and disappointed.

And unless we can get a reliable van for Kenneth, this could happen to him too!

So let’s send a special Note of Encouragement to Kenneth – and also get him a new van!

You can say “yes” by https://secure.americaneedsfatima.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=a..." title="" target="_blank">clicking here now.

What else can I say? I must put my trust in you, because you are always a wonderful friend when America Needs Fatima is in great need.

And yes, I realize that I am asking you to make a significant sacrifice.

But I trust you will help because you’ve been far more generous to America Needs Fatima than the average person.

And I am deeply indebted to you for this.

That’s why I am asking you now to help me get a new van for this very dedicated Fatima Custodian...

...and make sure that he is able to continue taking Our Lady’s statue and message into the hearts and homes of the families of America.

But he urgently needs a new van to continue Our Lady’s work.

And what’s the cost?

I estimate that a new van will cost $23,500.

Of course, I wouldn’t dare ask you to pay the whole price. I know that’s too much money to ask from you, me or any one person.

But maybe you can give part of it.

What I suggest is that you please think and pray about it.

Then, if Holy Mary inspires you to help, then please https://secure.americaneedsfatima.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=a..." title="" target="_blank">click here, and send a gift of $25, or $35, or $50, or even $100 – or more!

And in return, Kenneth will pray for you every night...

May I hear from you? Immediately?

Help Kennneth with a gift of $25, or $35, or $50, or even $100 to get a new van.

And please know that whatever you send, it will be very, very much appreciated and acknowledged.

May Our Lady of Fatima generously reward you.

Thank you,

	Sincerely,

	Robert E. Ritchie America Needs Fatima http://www.americaneedsfatima.org?utm_source=E0397&utm_medium=email&u..." target="_blank">

P.S. - I urge you to https://secure.americaneedsfatima.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=a..." title="" target="_blank">click here to send a special Note of Encouragement to Kenneth, along with a gift of $25, or $35, or $50, or even $100 to help buy him a new van.

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TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/24/2012

2012-01-24T10:16:00.001-05:00

Citing of the Week

"To what degree must we admit that the problem side of things is profoundly related even to what gives life in a particular situation? How many of us know someone whose very gifts are tied up with what makes them difficult at times?"

--© Bryan Froehle, 2012, Pastoral Trends, PrepareTheWord.com

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Tuesday, January 24
FEAST OF FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

The great communicator
In 1923 Pope Pius XI proclaimed Saint Francis de Sales a patron saint of writers and journalists because he made extensive use of flyers and books in his work as a spiritual director and defender of the Catholic faith. De Sales, who served as bishop of Geneva from 1602 to 1622, was also a polyglot, known as a clear and gracious stylist in French, Italian, and Latin. He even developed a form of sign language in order to teach a deaf man about God and thus is also the patron saint of the deaf. There are many ways to communicate the glory of God to the world. What is your particular gift and how will you use it to spread the Good News?

TODAY’S READINGS: 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19; Mark 3:31-35 (318)
“Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

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[video] Patron Saint of Journalists and Writers:

2012-01-24T09:48:00.001-05:00

Writing the Truth

Reflection for 1/24/12

www.apostleshipofprayer.org More

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Update From Mary TV:

2012-01-23T23:48:00.001-05:00

"My eyes and my heart will be here,

even when I will no longer appear."

President: Denis Nolan

P.O. Box 899

Notre Dame, IN 46556

574-287-7875

www.marytv.tv

Mary TV is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization

Image via Wikipedia

January 23, 2012

Dear Family of Mary TV,

Please send out to everyone in your email list:

MARY TV will be streaming Our Lady's apparition to Ivan - LIVE,

Tuesday, January 31, 2012,

at <www.marytv.tv>

St. Joseph Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

(The church will provide Spanish translation.)

Streaming will begin at 5:30 pm (EST)

The apparition will take place (approx.) 6:40 pm, (EST).

Also LIVE on iPhones, iPads, iPods, Androids and all smart phones.

Kalamazoo, Michigan. Image via Wikipedia

It has been confirmed to us by church authorities that according to the Church's teaching, those who participate "piously and devoutly" through our live internet broadcast will receive Our Lady's blessings during her apparition - the same as those praying along with her in the church. And the religious items they have with them for her to bless will be blessed by her the same as the religious items placed right in front of her in the church during her apparition!

God bless you!

Denis Nolan
MARY TV

PS. Note the 43 minute video at <www.marytv.tv> marking an historic event that took place in St. Stephens Cathedral in Vienna on November 17, 2011. This video, that we've also put on Youtube, needs to be spread! Our Lady, the Queen of Peace, appeared to Ivan Dragicevic and gave a message. After her apparition Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, the Archbishop of Vienna, and chief editor of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, publicly thanked Our Lady and thanked Ivan. His Eminence then presided at Mass giving a homily on Lk 19:41- 44, the Gospel reading for the day which spoke of the importance of not missing this time of Our Lady's visitation!

Ivan in Vienna, Nov. 2011, encounters Our Lady!

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Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/23/2012 Our Lady's Words about the Gift of Life

2012-01-23T11:54:00.001-05:00

January 23, 2012

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children; St. Vincent

Dear Family of Mary!

On this day, as we in America mourn the Supreme Court decision of 1973 denying the right to life of children in the womb and as we pray for our country to be converted, I thought it might be a help to read some of the beautiful things Our Lady of Medjugorje has said to us about life. She speaks constantly about life, about our lives, about the spiritual life, about the life of heaven, and about God, the Creator of life. She realizes what a gift each life is, and she encourages us to grow in our love for our lives and for the lives of others. Let these messages fill you with hope and renewed strength!

"Dear children! Today I invite you all to rejoice in the life which God gives you. Little children, rejoice in God, the Creator, because He has created you so wonderfully. Pray that your life be joyful thanksgiving which flows out of your heart like a river of joy. Little children, give thanks unceasingly for all that you possess, for each little gift which God has given you, so that a joyful blessing always comes down from God upon your life. Thank you for having responded to my call." (August 25, 1988)

"Dear children! I invite you now to be open to God. See, children, how nature is opening herself and is giving life and fruits. In the same way I invite you to live with God and to surrender completely to him. Children, I am with you and I want to introduce you continuously to the joy of life. I desire that everyone may discover the joy and love which can be found only in God and which only God can give. God doesn't want anything from you only your surrender. Therefore, children, decide seriously for God because everything else passes away. Only God doesn't pass away. Pray to be able to discover the greatness and joy of life which God gives you. Thank you for having responded to my call." (May 25, 1989)

"Dear children! Today I invite you to give thanks to God for all the gifts you have discovered in the course of your life and even for the least gift that you have perceived. I give thanks with you and want all of you to experience the joy of these gifts. And I want God to be everything for each one of you. And then, little children, you can grow continuously on the way of holiness. Thank you for responding to my call." (September 25, 1989)

"Dear children! I invite you to decide again to love God above all else. In this time when due to the spirit of consumerism one forgets what it means to love and to cherish true values, I invite you again, little children, to put God in the first place in your life. Do not let Satan attract you through material things but, little children, decide for God who is freedom and love. Choose life and not death of the soul, little children, and in this time when you meditate upon the suffering and death of Jesus I invite you to decide for life which blossomed through the Resurrection, and that your life may be renewed today through conversion that shall lead you to eternal life. Thank you for having responded to my call."(March 25, 1996)

"Dear children! Today, in a special way I call you to become open to God and for each of your hearts today to become a place of Jesus' birth. Little children, through all this time that God permits me to be with you, I desire to lead you to the joy of your life. Little children, the only true joy of your life is God. Therefore, dear children, do not seek joy in things of this earth but open your hearts and accept God. Little children, everything passes, only God remains in your heart. Thank you for having responded to my call." (December 25, 2007 Jakov)

"Dear children! As nature gives the most beautiful colors of the year, I also call you to witness with your life and to help others to draw closer to my Immaculate Heart, so that the flame of love for the Most High may sprout in their hearts. I am with you and I unceasingly pray for you that your life may be a reflection of Heaven here on earth. Thank you for having responded to my call." (April 25, 2011)

As our lives begin to reflect Heaven here on earth, may countless souls be drawn to that heaven and find their lives in God through Jesus and Mary!

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

Cathy Nolan

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TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/22/2012

2012-01-22T09:23:00.001-05:00

Citing of the Week

"To what degree must we admit that the problem side of things is profoundly related even to what gives life in a particular situation? How many of us know someone whose very gifts are tied up with what makes them difficult at times?"

--© Bryan Froehle, 2012, Pastoral Trends, PrepareTheWord.com

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Send spiritual seekers to VisionGuide.org or VocationMatch.com for more inspiration and information.

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Sunday, January 22
THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

Discipleship 101
How did you begin your journey as a follower of Jesus? Perhaps your parents saw to your baptism, although some make that decision later in life. Others had the advantage of a Catholic education or religious instruction that was parish-based. Many had special mentors in the faith: priests and sisters, grandparents or siblings, friends or teachers whose love and example made Christianity both credible and attractive. Consider how to give the gift of faith to children. You, too, can be a spiritual mentor!

TODAY’S READINGS: Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20 (68)
“Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ ”

Jonah preaching in Nineveh

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Pope Benedict XVI: Christian Unity [video]

2012-01-22T09:14:00.001-05:00

Benedict XVI asks prayers for Christian unity

The profound spiritual connection between the desire for Christian unity and the desire for authentic liberty was the focus of Pope Benedict XVI's remarks before the Angelus prayer with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square this Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the traditional prayer of Marian devotion, the Holy Father recalled the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which opened this past Wednesday: We will all be changed by the victory of Our Lord Jesus Christ, taken from the 1st Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

Material for the 2012 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has been prepared by a working group composed of representatives of the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, ... More

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CMMB: Your Weekly Reflection in Prayer 1/22/2012

2012-01-22T09:03:00.001-05:00

"Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed."

Jonah 3:4
January 22, 2012
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

I love the Book of Jonah, in fact it is my favorite book of the Bible. Why? It is a story, it is short, it is humorous and it has a very good message of Good News. Poor Jonah, the reluctant prophet who runs away from the Lord, ends up in the belly of a whale. After being rescued, Jonah has only one line of prophecy. “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed.”

Indeed, he might be called a false prophet because as we read, “God changes His mind about the calamity that He said He would bring upon them; and He did not do it.” (Jonah 3:10) Nineveh was NOT destroyed!

This shows the power of prayer and fasting – so strong that God changes His mind! In this New Year may we show a willingness to have open hearts and minds – and when necessary change our minds so that they are more clearly in the direction of God and God’s will.

O God, save me from myself, this frivolous self which plays with Your creation, this vain self which is clever about Your creation, this masterful self which manipulates Your creation, this greedy self which exploits Your creation. Teach me to stand out of my own light, and let Your daylight shine.

Rev. Peter Schineller, S.J., CMMB Board of Directors

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The Need to Repent [video]

2012-01-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

The Need to Repent

Reflection for 1/22/12

www.apostleshipofprayer.org More

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The Gift of Gifts...The Person Of Jesus in the Eucharist

2012-01-21T15:02:00.001-05:00

"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, I consecrate my body and soul to be entirely one with Your Heart , which is being sacrificed at every instant on all the altars of the world, giving praise to the Father and pleading for the coming of His Kingdom.

Please receive this humble offering of myself. Use me as you will for the glory of the Father and the salvation of souls.

Most Holy Mother of God , never let me be separated from your Son. Please defend and protect me as your special child."

Sister Agnes of Akita (concentrate on each word as you reread this masterpiece on our Faith)

You can receive complimentary materials to make your Consecration to God through Mary’s Immaculate Heart ( important spiritual protection at this time in salvation history) at myconsecration.org... where you can also learn about Our Lady of Las Lajas.
You can learn more about our Lady of Fatima at www.wafusa.org.

God Bless you and your work,

Deacon Bob		Tony

Deacon Bob Ellis		Anthony Mullen
Executive Director		MyConsecration.org
World Apostolate of Fatima, USA		222 S. Manoa Road
A Pontifical Association of the Faithful		Havertown, PA 19083
visit us at: www.wafusa.org		visit us at: www.myconsecration.org

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Pope Benedict XVI advised the seminarians of his diocese that it takes “integrity, maturity, asceticism, constancy and heroic fidelity” to be a good seminarian and become a great young priest.

2012-01-21T14:42:00.001-05:00

via catholicnewsagency.com

[photo] Pope Benedict XVI greets a seminarian during the Mass for Seminarians.

Vatican City, Jan 21, 2012 / 07:38 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Benedict XVI advised the seminarians of his diocese that it takes “integrity, maturity, asceticism, constancy and heroic fidelity” to be a good seminarian and become a great young priest.

As Bishop of Rome, the Pope addressed the students and staff of the Almo Collegio Capranica, one of the oldest seminaries of Rome, on Jan. 20 in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall.

The seminary is celebrating its 555th anniversary on Jan. 21, the Feast of St. Anges of Rome.

Pope Benedict explained that seminary life must be founded on “a solid spiritual life animated by an intense relationship with God, as individuals and in the community, with a particular care for liturgical celebrations and frequent recourse to the sacraments.”

And once ordained, he added, priestly life “requires an ever-increasing thirst for sanctity, a clear 'sensus Ecclesiae' and an openness to fraternity without exclusion or bias.”

St. Agnes was a young Roman woman who lived between the 3rd and 4th century. She chose to die, rather than surrender her virginity. The Pope pointed to her example as one for the seminarians to follow.

“For St. Agnes martyrdom meant agreeing to spend her young life, generously and freely, completely and without reserve, so that the Gospel could be announced as the truth and beauty which illuminates existence.”

As well as her piety and bravery, the Pope also praised the virginity of St. Agnes as worthy of imitation.

“Her path to the complete gift of self in martyrdom was, in fact, prepared by her informed, free and mature choice of virginity, a testimony of her desire to belong entirely to Christ.”

Pope Benedict also raised a constant them of his pontificate with the seminarians by telling them that they need to develop not only their souls but also their minds.

“Part of a priest’s journey of sanctity,” he proposed, “is his decision to develop, with God’s help, his own intellect, his own commitment: an authentic and solid personal culture which is the fruit of constant and impassioned study.”

Being at the heart of the universal Church, the Pope said, should allow them to “learn to understand the situations of the various countries and Churches of the world,” to ensure that “no culture is a barrier to the word of life, which you must announce even with your lives.”

“The Church expects a lot from young priests in the work of evangelization and new evangelization,” he said, before imparting his apostolic blessing.

“I encourage you in your daily efforts, that rooted in the beauty of authentic tradition and profoundly united to Christ, you may bring him into your communities with truth and joy.”

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TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/21/2012

2012-01-21T14:22:00.001-05:00

Citing of the Week

"We live in a time of cultural change, and religious change is part of it. Older structures, including ritual practices and symbols, no longer have the same automatic attraction. That is not a cause for despair."

--© Bryan Froehle, 2012, Pastoral Trends, PrepareTheWord.com

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Saturday, January 21
FEAST OF AGNES, VIRGIN, MARTYR

[St. Agnes in prison]

The most vulnerable deserve the most protection
The stories of child sex abuse that have come out recently remind us in no uncertain terms that the exploitation of the youngest and most vulnerable among us is an ongoing and serious problem. Today in the church calendar we remember Saint Agnes, who died at the tender age of 13 back in the year 304 A.D. It was said that as punishment for refusing a forced marriage to the son of a Roman official, young Agnes was dragged naked through the streets of Rome to a brothel where she was raped and then executed. A horrific tale of child abuse no doubt, but one that has been repeated in some form or another through the ages. It is time for Christians to speak with one voice worldwide to denounce the abuse of children wherever and whenever it occurs.

TODAY’S READINGS: 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Mark 3:20-21 (316)
“Rouse your power, and come to save us.

Marking the feast of St. Agnes Pope Benedict blessed the two lambs from whose wool the pallium will be woven in the monastery of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere. The pallium are narrow white bands worn by metropolitan archbishops around their necks as a symbol of their authority and unity with the Pope. The Holy Father presents them to newly-appointed metropolitan archbishops each year on June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. Agnes means "lamb" in Latin. The saint of the same name was a martyr of the early 4th century, known for her consecrated virginity, who was killed for refusing to worship pagan gods.

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MARY, OUR MOTHER

Believe like you mean it

Children Stone Jesus

The Conversion of Saint Paul by Fr. MacRae

January 25, 2012 Medjugorje Message

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/25/2012

Citing of the Week

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VISnews: 1/25/2012

Asia Bibi Update

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Hopes for Asia Bibi, but "the extremists would not accept her release"

Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/25/2012

[video] St. Paul Encountered Christ

[video] Being Catholic is Something Beautiful

VIS News Update 1/24/2012

Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/24/2012

Thomas More Law Center Appeals Ninth Circuit's Anti-God Decision to the U.S. Supreme Court

Fatima Custodian Update

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/24/2012

Citing of the Week

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[video] Patron Saint of Journalists and Writers:

Update From Mary TV:

Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/23/2012 Our Lady's Words about the Gift of Life

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/22/2012

Citing of the Week

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Pope Benedict XVI: Christian Unity [video]

CMMB: Your Weekly Reflection in Prayer 1/22/2012

The Need to Repent [video]

The Gift of Gifts...The Person Of Jesus in the Eucharist

Pope Benedict XVI advised the seminarians of his diocese that it takes “integrity, maturity, asceticism, constancy and heroic fidelity” to be a good seminarian and become a great young priest.

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/21/2012

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MARY, OUR MOTHER

Believe like you mean it

Children Stone Jesus

The Conversion of Saint Paul by Fr. MacRae

January 25, 2012 Medjugorje Message

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/25/2012

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VISnews: 1/25/2012

Asia Bibi Update

ASIA/PAKISTAN - Hopes for Asia Bibi, but "the extremists would not accept her release"

Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/25/2012

[video] St. Paul Encountered Christ

[video] Being Catholic is Something Beautiful

VIS News Update 1/24/2012

Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/24/2012

Thomas More Law Center Appeals Ninth Circuit's Anti-God Decision to the U.S. Supreme Court

Fatima Custodian Update

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/24/2012

Citing of the Week

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[video] Patron Saint of Journalists and Writers:

Update From Mary TV:

Mary TV Daily Reflection 1/23/2012 Our Lady's Words about the Gift of Life

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/22/2012

Citing of the Week

Promote vocations

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Pope Benedict XVI: Christian Unity [video]

CMMB: Your Weekly Reflection in Prayer 1/22/2012

The Need to Repent [video]

The Gift of Gifts...The Person Of Jesus in the Eucharist

Pope Benedict XVI advised the seminarians of his diocese that it takes “integrity, maturity, asceticism, constancy and heroic fidelity” to be a good seminarian and become a great young priest.

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Daily renewal for busy Catholics 1/21/2012

Citing of the Week

Promote vocations

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