IMMANUEL GOD IS WITH US

when no one stands for me, be there

2014-05-31T03:16:00.000+05:30

Lord, give my achieving heart peace today

be there to guide me through trying times

when no one stands for me, be there
when all else deny and slander me, be there
when even my parents abandon me, be there
when sorrow and shame overwhelm me, be there
when temptation seems to be taking over me, be there
Be there oh Lord to guide me
for i have none but you my Jesus.
Be my lover, my father, my mother, my friend, my brother, my consolation, my guide, be my all. Amen.
If you have said this prayer, copy it somewhere, say it whenever you feel lonely and lost. Jesus shall be there, preferably, say it in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Remember to share this prayer to your friends.
God will be with you always !

ASIA/PAKISTAN – The local Church: crimes to avenge honour, an evil practice which must be eradicated

2014-05-31T03:13:00.002+05:30

Lahore – “We firmly condemn the brutal killing of Farzana Parveen Bibi, a pregnant mother stoned to death by family members in the precinct of Lahore High Court. The old custom of crimes to avenge honour is widespread in Pakistan and it should be eradicated as soon as possible. This evil practice has no place in a modern democratic society in which the right to life for every person, man, woman or child, must be respected and defended”: Fides was told this by Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha, emeritus of Lahore, following the brutal murder in the city of the woman on 27 May. Farzana was killed in broad daylight by a crowed of some 20 people because a few months ago she married Mohammad Iqbal against the will of her family.

“It is truly deplorable that Farzana Bibi was stoned to death by her father and brothers in the square in front of Lahore’s High Court, and no one, not even the police officers on duty sought to save her. The death of the child she was carrying is a further tragedy”, the Archbishop said. Archbishop Saldanha is a former chairman of the Pakistani Catholic Bishops’ National Commission for Justice and Peace. The Commission is waging a campaign to eradicate crimes to avenge honour, a campaign which he re-launches: “It is necessary to increase awareness at every level of Pakistan society to eliminate the social evil of crimes to avenge honour: only in this way the deaths of Farzana and her innocent baby will not be in vain”. According to civil society sources in 2013 some 900 women were killed by family members because Pakistan allows crimes to avenge honour .The practice is reported mostly in remote areas where families force daughters into marriage with men not of their choice and often many years older than the bride. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered an investigation regarding responsibility on the part of the local police .

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:20-23a.

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Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.

When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.

So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

Fresco, Elmalı Kilise (or the Apple Church), 11th century, in the Göreme Open Air Museum, Turkey.

Jesus' Departure; Coming of the Advocate

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John 16: 5-11

Jesus' Departure; Coming of the Advocate

But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father,
and you will see me no longer;
concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is
judged.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth

2014-05-31T03:04:00.003+05:30

John 16: 12-15

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy."

2014-05-31T03:03:00.003+05:30

John 16: 16-20

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”
So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?”
So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.”
Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy."

you will weep and lament , but the world will rejoice

2014-05-31T03:02:00.001+05:30

John 16: 20-23

"Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me."
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you."

BE NOT AFRAID" JESUS I TRUST IN YOU"

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As we walk in this temporary abode of ours we Walk with Jesûs. We place Him as the center of our lives. We spread love as He commissioned us" Love God and your neighbor" We pray for our pope bishops and priests Matthew 16:16-19. We give honor, Respect and love to His Holy Mother who showed us how to live a holy live attuned to God. " BE NOT AFRAID" JESUS I TRUST IN YOU" St. John Paul 11, when we walk with Jesus our path is lighted. If we stumble He lifts us up and come Consolation and HOPE.

Let us pray to This Majestic and Power Saint in The Archangel Saint Michael. Amen.

2014-05-28T02:57:00.003+05:30

Welcome dear brothers and sisters in the Catholic Faith to

THE HOLY PRAYERS IN THANKSGIVING TO SAINT MICHAEL, THE ARCHANGEL, FOR HAVING PROTECTED SO WELL OUR POPE FRANCIS.

Let us pray to This Majestic and Power Saint in The Archangel Saint Michael. Amen.

Prayers to St. Michael, the Archangel

Patron of Policemen, Paratroopers, & Grocers
to Angels from the Realms of Glory
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
Dear St. Michael, your name means, "Who is like God?" and it indicates that you remained faithful when others rebelled against God.
Help police officers in our day who strive to stem the rebellion and evil that are rampant on all sides. Keep them faithful to their God as well as to their country and their fellow human beings. Amen.
God, with great wisdom You direct the ministry of Angels and men. Grant that those who always minister to You in heaven may defend us during our life on earth. Amen.
For Protection Against Evil and Danger
Dear St. Michael, the Archangel, protect us, both body and soul from the Evil One, his followers and anyone who would approach us with malicious intent.
Protect us, our bodies, and our cars, as we travel about in our daily activities.
Protect us, our bodies, our home, our property and possessions during times of storm, from all dangers of lightning, high winds, hail and flood waters. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
Most glorious Prince of the Heavenly Armies, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in “our battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the spirits of wickedness I the high places” (Ephes., VI, 12). Come to the assistance of men whom God has created to His likeness and whom He has redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Holy Church venerates thee as her guardian and protector; to thee , the Lord has entrusted the souls of the redeemed to be led into heaven. Pray therefore the God of Peace to crush Satan beneath our feet, that he may no longer retain men captive and do injury to the Church. Offer our prayers to the Most High, that without delay they may draw His mercy down upon us; take hold of “the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan”, bind him and cast him into the bottomless pit “so that he may no longer seduce the nations” (Apoc. XX 2).
Saint Michael the Archangel – Act of Consecration
Saint Michael the Archangel, invincible prince of the angelic hosts and glorious protector of the universal Church, I greet you and praise you for that splendor with which God has adorned you so richly. I thank God for the great graces he has bestowed upon you, especially to remain faithful when Lucifer and his followers rebelled, and to battle victoriously for the honor of God and the divinity of the Son of Man.
Saint Michael, I consecrate to you my soul and body. I choose you as my patron and protector and entrust the salvation of my soul to your care. Be the guardian of my obligation as a child of God and of the Catholic Church as again I renounce Satan, his works and pomps. Assist me by your powerful intercession in the fulfillment of these sacred promises, so that imitating your courage and loyalty to God, and trusting in your kind help and protection, I may be victorious over the enemies of my soul and be united with God in heaven forever. Amen.
Chaplet of St. Michael
O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, etc.
(Say one Our Father and three Hail Marys after each of the following nine salutations in honor of the nine Choirs of Angels)
1. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.
2. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.
3.By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.
4. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.
5. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
6. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. Amen.
7. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.
8. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen.
9. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven. Amen.
Say one Our Father in honor of each of the following leading Angels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and our Guardian Angel.
Concluding prayers
O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael Prince of Your Church, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Protection of the Church
O glorious St. Michael, guardian and defender of the Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of the Church, against which the powers of hell are unchained, guard with especial care her august Head, and obtain that for him and for us the hour of triumph may speedily arrive.
O glorious Archangel St. Michael, watch over us during life, defending us against assaults of the demon, assist us especially at the hour of death; obtain for us a favorable judgment, and the happiness of beholding God face to Face for endless ages. Amen.
St. Michael, intercede for me with God in all my necessities, especially (name your specific need). Obtain for me a favorable outcome in the matter I recommend to you. Mighty prince of the heavenly host, and victor over rebellious spirits, remember me for I am weak and sinful and so prone to pride and ambition. Be for me, I pray, my powerful aid in temptation and difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen.
PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
O glorious Prince of the heavenly host, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle and in the fearful warfare that we are waging against the principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the evil spirits. Come thou to the assistance of men, whom Almighty God created immortal, making them in His own image and likeness and redeeming them at a great price from the tyranny of Satan. Fight this day the battle of the Lord with the legions of holy Angels, even as of old thou didst fight against Lucifer, the leader of the proud spirits and all his rebel angels, who were powerless to stand against thee, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And that apostate angel, transformed into an angel of darkness who still creeps about the earth to encompass our ruin, was cast headlong into the abyss together with his followers. But behold, that first enemy of mankind, and a murderer from the beginning, has regained his confidence. Changing himself into an angel of light, he goes about with the whole multitude of the wicked spirits to invade the earth and blot out the Name of God and of His Christ, to plunder, to slay and to consign to eternal damnation the souls that have been destined for a crown of everlasting life. This wicked serpent, like an unclean torrent, pours into men of depraved minds and corrupt hearts the poison of his malice, the spirit of lying, impiety and blasphemy, and the deadly breath of impurity and every form of vice and iniquity. These crafty enemies of mankind have filled to overflowing with gall and wormwood the Church, which is the Bride of the Lamb without spot; they have laid profane hands upon her most sacred treasures. Make haste, therefore, O invincible Prince, to help the people of God against the inroads of the lost spirits and grant us the victory. Amen. (indulg. By Leo XIII, 25 Sep. 1888)
Prince of the heavenly hosts, conqueror of the infernal dragon, you received from God the strength and power to destroy through humility the pride of the powers of darkness. We implore you help us to true humility of heart, to unshakable fidelity, to fulfill the Will of God and to fortitude in sufferings and trials. Help us to stand before the judgment seat of God. Amen.
Litany in Honor of St. Michael.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels, pray for us.
St. Michael, the Archangel, pray for us.
Most glorious attendant of the Triune Divinity, pray for us.
Standing at the right of the altar of Incense, pray for us.
Ambassador of Paradise, pray for us.
Glorious Prince of the Heavenly armies, pray for us.
Leader of the Angelic hosts, pray for us.
The standard-bearer of God's armies, pray for us.
Defender of Divine glory, pray for us.
First defender of the Kingship of Christ, pray for us.
Strength of God, pray for us.
Invincible Prince and warrior, pray for us.
Angel of Peace, pray for us.
Guide of Christ, pray for us.
Guardian of the Catholic Faith, pray for us.
Champion of God's people, pray for us.
Guardian Angel of the Eucharist, pray for us.
Defender of the Church, pray for us.
Protector of the Sovereign Pontiff, pray for us.
Angel of Catholic action, pray for us.
Powerful intercessor of Christians, pray for us.
Bravest defender of those who hope in God, pray for us.
Guardian of our souls and bodies, pray for us.
Healer of the sick, pray for us.
Help of those in their agony, pray for us.
Consoler of the Souls in Purgatory, pray for us.
God's messenger for the souls of the just, pray for us.
Terror of the evil spirits, pray for us.
Victorious in battle against evil, pray for us.
Guardian and Patron of the universal Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Relying, O Lord, upon the intercession of Thy blessed Archangel Michael, we humbly beg of Thee, that the Sacrament of the Eucharist which we have received may make our souls holy and pleasing to Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Litany in Honor of St. Michael
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, Pray for us.
St. Michael, Pray for us.
St. Michael, filled with the wisdom of God, Pray for us.
St. Michael, perfect adorer of the Incarnate Word, Pray for us.
St. Michael, crowned with honor and glory, Pray for us.
St. Michael, most powerful Prince of the armies of the Lord, Pray for us.
St. Michael, standard-bearer of the most Holy Trinity, Pray for us.
St. Michael, guardian of Paradise, Pray for us.
St. Michael, guide and comforter of the people of Israel, Pray for us.
St. Michael, splendor and fortress of the Church Militant, Pray for us.
St. Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant, Pray for us.
St. Michael, light of Angels, Pray for us.
St. Michael, bulwark of orthodox believers, Pray for us.
St. Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross, Pray for us.
St. Michael, light and confidence of Souls at the hour of death, Pray for us.
St. Michael, our most sure aid, Pray for us.
St. Michael, our help in all adversities, Pray for us.
St. Michael, herald of the everlasting sentence, Pray for us.
St. Michael, consoler of Souls detained in the flames of Purgatory, Pray for us.
St. Michael, whom the Lord has charged to receive Souls after death, Pray for us.
St. Michael, our prince, Pray for us.
St. Michael, our advocate, Pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, spare us O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R. That we may be made worthy of His promises.
Let us pray: Sanctify us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus, with Thy holy blessing, and grant us, by the intercession of St. Michael, that wisdom which teaches us to lay up treasures in Heaven by exchanging the goods of this world for those of eternity, Thou who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL.
Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His people, I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who made you so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer. You know the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirits that tempt me. I desire to imitate your loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and your great love for God and people. And since you are God's messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to you this special request: (mention your request).
St. Michael, since you are, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in your prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God's holy will, my petition will be granted.
Pray for me St. Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through your powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach heaven where we may praise and love God with you forever. Amen.
In thanksgiving to God for the graces bestowed on St. Michael: 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory Be.
The faithful who recite devoutly some prayers in honour of St. Michael at any season of the year with the intention of continuing the same for nine successive days, may gain an indulgence of 5 years once each day and a plenary indulgence under the usual condition at the end of their novena (449).
His feast day is September 29, but we can Pray and Honor Him any time of the year.
May Saint Michael the Archangel of God, Defend us all, from the devil and from his fallen angels, Amen.
God Loves us all, especially His Holy Vicar, Amen..

ST. SILVAN

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# MYSTICS OF THE CHURCH #

( Incorruptible Saints )

ST. SILVAN

St. Silvan was a young man with a strong faith. He was killed for his Christian faith in the year 350. His body has since remained incorrupt and is on display at the Church of St. Blaise in Dubrovnick, Croata till today.

Power of God at work!

God is Awesome, Wonderful and Marvelous!
St. Silvan, Pray for us!

Full Communion between Catholics and Orthodox will be a very welcomed gift from God!

2014-05-28T02:51:00.003+05:30

"We need to believe that, just as the stone before the tomb was cast aside, so, too, every obstacle to our full communion will also be removed,".

--Pope Francis speaking with the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew at the Holy Sepulcher in the Holy Land.

Pope Francis spent a large part of the third day of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land meeting with Muslim and Jewish leaders, praising the shared commitment to dialogue.

2014-05-28T02:48:00.004+05:30

Jerusalem, Israel, May 26, 2014 / 04:48 am (CNA).-

“We are experiencing a fraternal dialogue and exchange which are able to restore us and offer us new strength to confront the common challenges before us,” the Pope told Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem on May 26.

He met with the the Muslim leader as well as the Present of the Supreme Muslim Council and others and others Monday morning at the Dome of the Rock.

The Pontiff took the opportunity to reflect on the figure of Abraham, “who lived as a pilgrim in these lands,” and serves as an important figure to the three major religions.

“Muslims, Christians and Jews see in him, albeit in different ways, a father in faith and a great example to be imitated. He became a pilgrim, leaving his own people and his own house in order to embark on that spiritual adventure to which God called him,” he said.

Like Abraham, we are on an “earthly pilgrimage” but “we are not alone. We cross paths with our brothers and sisters of ours...we experience with them a moment of rest which refreshes us.”

Pope Francis noted that Abraham’s attitude should be an example for every person.

A pilgrim “makes himself poor” and “sets out intently toward a great and longed-for destination” living in “hope of a promise received.”

“This was how Abraham lived and this should be our spiritual attitude,” he encouraged.

“We can never think of ourselves (as) self-sufficient, masters of our own lives. We cannot be content with remaining withdrawn, secure in our convictions.”

The Holy Father urged continued efforts for peace, noting that “the pilgrimage of Abraham was also a summons to righteousness.”

Just as God called Abraham to witness to a righteous way of life, “we too wish to witness to God’s working in the world, and so, precisely in this meeting, we hear deep within us his summons to work for peace and justice.”

Pope Francis stressed, “Dear friends, from this holy place I make a heartfelt plea to all people and to all communities who look to Abraham: may we respect and love one another as brothers and sisters!”
“May we learn to understand the sufferings of others! May no one abuse the name of God through violence! May we work together for justice and peace!”

The Pope’s appeal for peace and appreciation of dialogue continued in his later meeting with Jewish Rabbis at the Heichal Shlomo Center in Jerusalem.

“As you know, from the time I was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, I have counted many Jews among my friends,” he told the Chief Rabbis of Israel.

“Together we organized rewarding occasions of encounter and dialogue; with them I also experienced significant moments of sharing on a spiritual level,” he recounted.

Pope Francis referred to the many requests for meetings and improving relations between Jewish leaders and the Popes of the last decades as “one of the fruits of the Second Vatican Council” and “a genuine gift of God.”

He went on to say that the relationships between Christians and Jews must be reflective of the “spiritual bond” between the two.

“Mutual understanding of our spiritual heritage, appreciation for what we have in common and respect in matters on which we disagree: all these can help us to a closer relationship, an intention which we put in God’s hands.”

The Pontiff closed by encouraging continued collaboration.

“Together, we can make a great contribution to the cause of peace; together, we can bear witness, in this rapidly changing world, to the perennial importance of the divine plan of creation; together, we can firmly oppose every form of anti-Semitism and all other forms of discrimination,” he said.

THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

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"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth"

Scripture: John 16:12-15

What would you give to know all truth! Truth, however, is not something we create nor is it our discovery. It is the gift of God who is the possessor and the giver of all truth. Jesus tells his disciples that it is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal what is true. How can this be? Skeptics of truth don't want to believe in an absolute Truth. If truth is objective then it must be submitted to as authoritative. Some fear the truth because they think it will inhibit their freedom.

Jesus told his disciples that the truth will set you free (John 8:32).The truth liberates us from doubts, illusions, and fears. Since God is the source of all truth, then the closer we draw to him and listen to his word, the more we grow in the knowledge of him and of his great love and wisdom for us. Jesus told his disciples that he would send them the Spirit of truth who will announce to you the things to come.
Through the Holy Spirit, we proclaim our ancient faith in the saving death and resurrection of Christ until he comes again. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit as our divine Teacher and Helper that we may grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God. Do you seek the wisdom that comes from above and do you willingly obey God's word?

Pope Francis holds hour long in-flight question and answer session with journalists

2014-05-28T02:44:00.004+05:30

Despite the grueling schedule of his three day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, on Monday evening Pope Francis held an hour long in-flight question and answer session with the journalists who had accompanied him. The Pope responded to their questions on issues that ranged from the Churches’ efforts in combatting the sexual abuse of minors by clergy, to the reform of the Curia. The Pope addressed questions that have arisen ahead of October’s Synod on the family, regarding the situation of divorced and remarried Catholics, he spoke of future papal travels and dwelt the modern day reality of Christian martyrs for the faith. Emer McCarthy reports:

Responding to a question on the Churches handling of the abuse crisis, Pope Francis stated that there will be no preferential treatment when it comes to child abuse. That three bishops are currently under investigation for and one has been convicted with punishment pending. Such abuse is a betrayal of the Lord’s body, he said. He then announced that next week he will hold a two day meeting with survivors of abuse and celebrate mass with them at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.
Responding to a question on the issue of communion for divorced and remarried Catholics, which has arisen ahead of next October’s Synod on the Family, Pope Francis lamented that the entire Synod should be boiled down to this one issue. He noted the real issue is the crisis that the family is undergoing today with a drop in the number of young people choosing to marry. However, the Pope did add that the procedure of preparation for marriage and annulments of marriage needed further reflection. He also concluded that divorced Catholics must not be treated as if they had been excommunicated.
He also answered a question on priestly celibacy, noting that the Catholic Church has married priests in the Eastern rites, that celibacy is not a dogma of faith but a rule of life that he appreciate a great deal and believes is a gift for the Church.
Regarding the reform of the Curia, Pope Francis laughingly confessed that he himself is perhaps the greatest obstacle to it. The Pope revealed that the organization will be made lighter, by merging dicasteries.
He also revealed that there are two Asian trips planned: one to South Korea and then next January, a trip to Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
Finally, answering a question as to whether he too – like Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI – will choose to resign from the papacy, Pope Francis stated that his predecessor had “opened the door” to such a possibility, but that he will do what the Lord tells him to do.

At a briefing in the Vatican on Tuesday, Father Lombardi discussed some of the highlights of Pope Francis’ interview with journalists on the papal plane returning from the Holy Land.

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During his remarks the Pope had said a member of the clergy who sexually abuses children is comparable to somebody carrying out a satanic mass which is a sacrilege. Father Lombardi explained that for a believer, equating the crime of sexually abusing a child with the sacrilege of celebrating a satanic mass, is arguably the strongest possible condemnation. The Director of the Vatican Press Office also explained that contrary to what Pope Francis said on the plane, no firm date has yet been fixed for him to meet with sex abuse victims in the Vatican. The Pope had said during the news conference on the plane that such meeting was expected to take place in early June.

When asked by a journalist about the wide-ranging nature of the Pope’s press conference on the plane, Father Lombardi said he too was struck by the Holy Father’s willingness to answer whatever question was put to him by the journalists.

Turning to the issue of Jerusalem, Father Lombardi reiterated that the Holy See seeks for this holy city an internationally guaranteed special status giving freedom of worship and right of access for residents and pilgrims from across the world, with no one party claiming exclusive rights.

Father Lombardi said the prayer service attended by many Christian leaders in Jerusalem’s Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre was one of the spiritual highlights of this papal visit along with the Mass celebrated in the Cenacle.

On a final note, Father Lombardi pointed out that the Pope wished to make clear that the upcoming special Synod on the Family is not the synod on whether or not divorced people should be able to receive communion. By narrowly focusing on this undoubtedly delicate and painful question of communion for divorced people, Father Lombardi continued, there is a risk of narrowing the viewpoint of a synod whose task is to reflect on the wide-ranging issue of the family and how to protect it

Pope Francis' Homily during Holy Mass in the Room of the Cenacle (The Upper Room), Jerusalem, Monday, 26 May 2014

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It is a great gift that the Lord has given us by bringing us together here in the Upper Room for the celebration of the Eucharist. I greet you with fraternal joy and I wish to express my affection to the Oriental Catholic Patriarchs who have taken part in my pilgrimage during these days. I want to thank them for their significant presence, particularly dear to me and I assure them of a special place in my heart and in my prayers. Here, where Jesus shared the Last Supper with the apostles; where, after his resurrection, he appeared in their midst; where the Holy Spirit descended with power upon Mary and the disciples, here the Church was born, and she was born to go forth. From here she set out, with the broken bread in her hands, the wounds of Christ before her eyes, and the Spirit of love in her heart.

In the Upper Room, the risen Jesus, sent by the Father, bestowed upon the apostles his own Spirit and with his power he sent them forth to renew the face of the earth (cf. Ps 104:30).

To go forth, to set out, does not mean to forget. The Church, in her going forth, preserves the memory of what took place here; the Spirit, the Paraclete, reminds her of every word and every action, and reveals their true meaning.

The Upper Room speaks to us of service, of Jesus giving the disciples an example by washing their feet. Washing one another’s feet signifies welcoming, accepting, loving and serving one another. It means serving the poor, the sick and the outcast, those whom I find difficult, those who annoy me.

The Upper Room reminds us, through the Eucharist, of sacrifice. In every Eucharistic celebration Jesus offers himself for us to the Father, so that we too can be united with him, offering to God our lives, our work, our joys and our sorrows… offering everything as a spiritual sacrifice.

The Upper Room also reminds us of friendship. “No longer do I call you servants – Jesus said to the Twelve – but I have called you friends” (Jn 15:15). The Lord makes us his friends, he reveals God’s will to us and he gives us his very self. This is the most beautiful part of being a Christian and, especially, of being a priest: becoming a friend of the Lord Jesus, and discovering in our hearts that he is our friend.

The Upper Room reminds us of the Teacher’s farewell and hispromise to return to his friends: “When I go… I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Jn 14:3). Jesus does not leave us, nor does he ever abandon us; he precedes us to the house of the Father, where he desires to bring us as well.

The Upper Room, however, also reminds us of pettiness, of curiosity – “Who is the traitor?” – and of betrayal. We ourselves, and not just others, can reawaken those attitudes whenever we look at our brother or sister with contempt, whenever we judge them, whenever by our sins we betray Jesus.

The Upper Room reminds us of sharing, fraternity, harmony and peace among ourselves. How much love and goodness has flowed from the Upper Room! How much charity has gone forth from here, like a river from its source, beginning as a stream and then expanding and becoming a great torrent. All the saints drew from this source; and hence the great river of the Church’s holiness continues to flow: from the Heart of Christ, from the Eucharist and from the Holy Spirit.

Lastly, the Upper Room reminds us of the birth of the new family, the Church, our holy Mother the hierarchical Church established by the risen Jesus; a family that has a Mother, the Virgin Mary. Christian families belong to this great family, and in it they find the light and strength to press on and be renewed, amid the challenges and difficulties of life. All God’s children, of every people and language, are invited and called to be part of this great family, as brothers and sisters and sons and daughters of the one Father in heaven.

These horizons are opened up by the Upper Room, the horizons of the Risen Lord and his Church.

From here the Church goes forth, impelled by the life-giving breath of the Spirit. Gathered in prayer with the Mother of Jesus, the Church lives in constant expectation of a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Send forth your Spirit, Lord, and renew the face of the earth (cf. Ps 104:30)!

Daily Prayer.

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O Child Jesus of Prosperity, you were lost in the temple for three days. Your

worried parents looked for you everywhere only to discover that you were

there in the temple, conversing with the learned people of the temple with

whom you discussed the Bible. They were amazed at your intelligence. You

shone in your discussion because you were able to tell them about your

Father and his love for humanity. Teach us, O Holy Child, to share this

knowledge to people around us, that our Father in heaven cares for each

one of us. Inspire us to use our intelligence for your greater glory and not

for seeking vainly our personal glory (mention your petitions here). Amen.

---------------

Novena

The word Novena derives it name from the Latin word “novem”

meaning “nine.” A novena can be either a private or public devotion in

the Catholic Church to obtain special graces.

Novena to the Child Jesus of Prosperity.

Jesus promised that, in response to those who consecrate themselves and make reparations to His Sacred Heart:

He will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

He will establish peace in their homes.

He will comfort them in all their afflictions.

He will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.

He will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.

Sinners will find in His Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.

Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

He will bless every place in which an image of His Heart is exposed and honored.

He will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in His Heart.

In the excessive mercy of His Heart that His all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in His disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. His divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

The devotions attached to these promises are:

Receiving Communion frequently

First Fridays: going to Confession and receiving the Eucharist on the first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months. Many parishes will offer public First Friday devotions; if they do, you must perform First Fridays publicly. If it isn't so offered in your parish, you can do this privately, going to Confession, receiving the Eucharist, and offering your prayers for the intention of the Holy Father.

Holy Hour: Eucharistic Adoration for one hour on Thursdays ("Could you not watch one hour with me?"). Holy Hour can be made alone or as part of a group with formal prayers.

Litany in Honor of the Child Jesus of Prosperity.

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father in heaven, have mercy on us (repeat after each invocation).

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Spirit,

Holy Trinity, One God,

Child Jesus of Prosperity,

Most merciful Child Jesus of Prosperity,

Most compassionate Child Jesus,

Sweetest Child Jesus,

Child Jesus, full of kindness,

Most generous Child Jesus,

Child Jesus, our only hope,

Child Jesus, our good health,

Child Jesus, our refuge,

Child Jesus, health of our souls,

Child Jesus, health of our bodies,

Child Jesus, our sight,

Child Jesus, our strength,

Child Jesus, our ardent desire,

Child Jesus, our life’s companion, Child Jesus, our nourishment, (Have mercy on us)

Child Jesus, our only consolation,

Child Jesus, our only satisfaction,

Child Jesus, in whom we find the perfect accomplishment of our desires,

Sweet Child Jesus, our final end,

Sweet Child Jesus, we love you.

Sweet Child Jesus, we desire to please you.

Sweet Child Jesus, we surrender to you.

Child Jesus of Prosperity, watch over our businesses.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, in union with your divine Son, the Child Jesus of Prosperity, and with

the Holy Spirit, refuse not the petitions of your poor children; hear our prayer.

O Mother of the Child Jesus, touch his heart for us, through your same Son,

inseparable with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

LITANY TO THE INFANT CHILD JESUS.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Infant, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.

Infant, true God, have mercy on us.

Infant, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.

Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.

Infant, strong in weakness, have mercy on us.

Infant, powerful in tenderness, have mercy on us.

Infant, Treasure of grace, have mercy on us.

Infant, Fountain of love, have mercy on us.

Infant, Renewer of the heavens, have mercy on us.

Infant, Repairer of the evils of the earth, have mercy on us.

Infant, Head of the angels, have mercy on us.

Infant, Root of the patriarchs, have mercy on us.

Infant, Speech of the prophets, have mercy on us.

Infant, Desire of the Gentiles, have mercy on us.

Infant, Joy of shepherds, have mercy on us.

Infant, Light of the Magi, have mercy on us.

Infant, Salvation of infants, have mercy on us.

Infant, Expectation of the just, have mercy on us.

Infant, Instructor of the wise, have mercy on us.

Infant, First-fruit of all saints, have mercy on us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Infant Jesus.

Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.

From the slavery of the children of Adam, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

From the slavery of the devil, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

From the evil desires of the flesh, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

From the malice of the world, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

From the pride of life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

From the inordinate desire of knowing, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

From blindness of spirit, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

From an evil will, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

From our sins, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy most pure Conception, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy most humble Nativity, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy tears, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy most painful Circumcision, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy most glorious Epiphany, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy most pious Presentation, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy most divine life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy poverty, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy many sufferings, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy labors and travels, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Infant Jesus.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Jesus, Infant, hear us. Jesus, Infant, graciously hear us.

Let Us Pray

O Lord Christ, Thou were pleased so to humble Thyself in Thine incarnate divinity and most sacred humanity as to be born in time and become a little child. Grant that we may acknowledge infinite wisdom in the silence of a child, power in weakness, and majesty in humiliation. Adoring Thy humiliations on earth, may we contemplate Thy glories in Heaven, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns forever.

R. Amen.

Meditation

Devotion to the Sacred Heart, as we know it, began about the year 1672. On repeated occasions, Jesus appeared to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun, in France, and during these apparitions He explained to her the devotion to His Sacred Heart as He wanted people to practice it. he asked to be honored in the symbol of His Heart of flesh; he asked for acts of reparation, for frequent Communion, Communion on the First Friday of the month, and the keeping of the Holy Hour.

When the Catholic Church approved the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she did not base her action only on the visions of Saint Margaret Mary. The Church approved the devotion on its own merits. There is only one Person in Jesus, and that Person was at the same time God and Man. His Heart, too, is Divine -- it is the Heart of God.

There are two things that must always be found together in the devotion to the Sacred Heart: Christ's Heart of flesh and Christ's love for us. True devotion to the Sacred Heart means devotion to the Divine Heart of Christ insofar as His Heart represents and recalls His love for us.

In honoring the Heart of Christ, our homage lingers on the Person of Jesus in the fullness of His love. This love of Christ for us was the moving force of all he did and suffered for us -- in Nazareth, on the Cross, in giving Himself in the Blessed Sacrament, in His teaching and healing, in His praying and working. When we speak of the Sacred Heart, we mean Jesus showing us His Heart, Jesus all love for us and all lovable.

Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God's infinite love. The Human Nature which the Son of God took upon Himself was filled with love and kindness that has never found an equal. He is the perfect model of love of God and neighbor.

Every day of His life was filled with repeated proofs of "Christ's love that surpasses all knowledge" (Eph 3:19). Jesus handed down for all time the fundamental feature of His character: "Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of Heart" (Mt 11:29). He invited all, refusing none, surprising friends and rivals by His unconditional generosity.

The meaning of love in the life of Jesus was especially evident in His sufferings. Out of love for His Father He willed to undergo the death of the Cross. "The world must know that I love the Father and do just as the Father has commanded Me" (Jn 14:31).

The love that Jesus bore toward us also urged Him to undergo the death of the Cross. At the Last Supper, He said, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:13)

The Heart of Jesus never ceases to love us in heaven. He sanctifies us through the Sacraments. These are inexhaustible fountains of grace and holiness which have their source in the boundless ocean of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Novena Prayer

Divine Jesus, You have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Behold me kneeling at Your feet, filled with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by Your Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary. I come to ask this favor: Mention your request).

To whom can I turn if not to You, Whose Heart is the source of all graces and merits? Where should I seek if not in the treasure which contains all the riches of Your kindness and mercy? Where should I knock if not at the door through which God gives Himself to us and through which we go to God? I have recourse to You, Heart of Jesus. In You I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when burdened with trials, and light in doubt and darkness.

Dear Jesus, I firmly believe that You can grant me the grace I implore, even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it and my prayer will be granted. I admit that I am most unworthy of Your favors, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercy, and You will not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a look of mercy, I beg of You, and Your kind Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a reason for granting my prayer.

Sacred Heart, whatever may be Your decision with regard to my request, I will never stop adoring, loving, praising, and serving You. My Jesus, be pleased to accept this my act of perfect resignation to the decrees of Your adorable Heart, which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and all Your creatures forever.

Grant me the grace for which I humbly implore You through the Immaculate Heart of Your most sorrowful Mother. You entrusted me to her as her child, and her prayers are all-powerful with You. Amen.

Offering

My God, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for which He pleads and offers Himself in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in thanksgiving for Your favors, in reparation for my sins, and in humble supplication for my temporal and eternal welfare, for the needs of our holy Mother the Church, for the conversion of sinners, and for the relief of the poor souls in purgatory.

The Heart of the Child Jesus will Hear us through the Heart of His Mother Mary, Amen.

Thank you for praying with us, God Loves us all, through His Infant Son Jesus

God Has Done All He Can To Save Lost Sinners

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While God works very hard to save sinners, sinners must also work very hard to remain lost and separated from Him.

Some People Think They're Good Enough Without Jesus
Believe this or not, some sinners actually think they have done enough good in their own lives, that they don't need God's saving through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
God Want's No One To Be Lost But The Choice Is Ours
"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter, 3:9).
In Order For People To Remain Lost They Must:
Resist All The Efforts Of The Church.
Renounce The Word Of God, The Bible.
Repress And Run From Their Own Conscience.
Retreat From Christian Family And Friends.
Resist The On Going Convicting Power Of The Holy Spirit.
Reject Jesus Who Died To Save Them (John, 3:36).
Trample Under Their Feet The Son Of God (Hebrews, 10:29).
Do You Know People Like These, Might You Be One?
You May Be Asking; How Can I Be Saved From My Sins?
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved" (Romans, 10:9-10)
"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness" (1 John, 1:8-9).
If You Confessed, Believed And Received, Then You Are Saved
Have You Come To God to Save You, Or Are You Lost?

Pope Francis to visit Sri Lanka and the Philippines

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Pope Francis will pay a two day visit to Sri Lanka in January 2015 and then to Philippines was an announcement he made at a news conference in the aircraft on his return home to the Vatican.

Among the many questions the Pope answered at the news conference he also made this announcement of his future visits to Philippines and Sri Lanka. At the recent Ad limina visit of the Bishops of Sri Lanka much was spoken about the civil war and the need for further peace and reconciliation. The pope’s personal presence there will surely boost the peace process it is hoped.

Earlier when a group of pilgrims led by the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, visited the pope in the Vatican, Pope Francis greeted Cardinal Ranjith, and thanked him for an invitation to visit Sri Lanka. “I welcome this invitation,” the Pope had said, “and I think the Lord will grant us the grace.”

Yet another time Pope Francis had told Sri Lankans living in Italy that he hoped to take up an invitation to visit their country, where the wounds of civil war still needed to heal.

While last May 19, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle had told CNS in a separate interview that plans are underway for Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Tagle also said that one purpose of the papal visit could be "to come close to the people who suffered from the recent typhoon (in November) and the earthquake (in October)."

Pope Francis will be the third pope to visit the Philippines, after Pope Paul VI (1970) and now St. John Paul II (1981 and 1995).

Pope, Israeli president renew mutual commitment to peace

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Jerusalem, Israel, May 26, 2014 / 07:09 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a meeting today with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Pope Francis expressed his hope that Jerusalem would be a true 'city of peace,' with Peres echoing his commitment.

“May Jerusalem be truly the City of Peace! May her identity and her sacred character, her universal religious and cultural significance shine forth as a treasure for all mankind,” said the Pope on May 26 in the garden of the president’s residence.

Pope Francis also called for free access to sacred sites in Jerusalem, which are not “monuments or museums for tourists, but places where communities of believers daily express their faith and culture, and carry out their work of charity.”

He said that the “sacred character” of the holy places “must be perpetually maintained and protection given not only to the legacy of the past, but also to all those who visit these sites today and to those who will visit them in future.”

The Roman Pontiff then stressed, “how good it is when pilgrims and residents enjoy?free access to the Holy Places and can freely take part in religious celebrations.”

Pope Francis praised president Peres for being known as a man of peace and a peacemaker, and reminded him that “peacemaking demands first and foremost respect for the dignity and freedom of every human person, which Jews, Christians and Muslims alike believe to be created by God and destined to eternal life.”

“This shared conviction enables us resolutely to pursue peaceful solution to every controversy and conflict,” Pope Francis underscored.

The Pope then renewed his plea “to all parties” to “avoid any initiatives and actions which contradict their stated determination to reach a true agreement” – the same words he addressed to the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas May 25.

Pope Francis affirmed that “a firm rejection of all that is opposed to the cultivation of peace and respectful relations between Jews, Christians and Muslims” is needed.

“We think, for example, of recourse to violence and terrorism, all forms of discrimination on the basis of race or religion, attempts to impose one’s own point of view at the expense of the rights of others, anti-Semitism in all its possible expressions, and signs of intolerance directed against individuals or places of worship, be they Jewish, Christian or Muslim,” Pope Francis said.

The Pope also spoke of the need for respect for minority Christian communities, saying that “the presence of these communities and respect for their rights – as for the rights of all other religious groups and all minorities – are the guarantee of a healthy pluralism and proof of the vitality of democratic values.”

“Christians wish to contribute to the common good and the growth of peace; they wish to do so as full fledged citizens who reject extremism in all its forms and are committed to fostering reconciliation and harmony,” said the Pope.

Pope Francis then assured president Peres of his “constant prayer for the attainment of peace and all the inestimable goods which accompany it: security, tranquillity, prosperity and fraternity.”

Concluding his address, Pope Francis mentioned the “continuing crises in the Middle East” and prayed that “their sufferings may soon be alleviated by an honourable resolution of hostilities. Peace be upon Israel and the entire Middle East! Shalom!”

In his speech, President Peres took the opportunity to highlight the role of Jerusalem as “city of peace,” addressing an appeal to the Pope who “has spoken so much against violence.”

“Blood of innocent people is spread. We would like that the amount of those who cause violence and war be diminished. We have to join together to bear peace. We have the responsibility of this,” said Peres.

Peres then told Pope Francis: “Your Holiness, you are working so much to build dialogue among everybody, to achieve peace in this region, to achieve world peace. We are with you, with all of our heart, all of our soul, to fight against war and live peace.”

The official remarks delivered at the assembly in the garden were preceded by a private visit in the presidential residence.

Seated beside the Pope, Peres told him, “interreligious peace is needed to achieve peace in other areas. Peace is a matter of imagination and inspiration. You bear imagination and inspiration, and we need them. Thank you for this.”

Pope Francis replied, “With my imagination and inspiration I would like to invent a new ‘beatitude,’ which fits to me in this very moment: blessed he who enters in the house of a wise and good man. I feel blessed.”

After their informal talk, the two men exchanged gifts.

Pope Francis gave president Peres a bronze bas-relief that commemorates the meeting between Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras 50 years ago, while president Peres gave Pope Francis a painting representing an olive tree which was painted by disadvantaged children in Nazareth.

They then headed outside to plant an olive tree as a sign of peace.

The embrace of three religions

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These photos show Pope Francis embracing a Jew and a Muslim: on the right is his friend, Jewish Rabbi Abraham Skorka and on the left is Muslim Prof. Omar Abud.

«Muslims, Christians and Jews see in Abraham, albeit in different ways, a father in faith and a great example to be imitated (...)

Dear brothers, dear friends, from this holy place I make a heartfelt plea to all people and to all communities who look to Abraham:
may we respect and love one another as brothers and sisters!
May we learn to understand the sufferings of others!
May no one abuse the name of God through violence!
May we work together for justice and peace!»
Pope Francis, Visit to the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, May 26, 2014

'About midnight paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25)

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It is amazing to read that after being unjustlystripped, flogged, chained and imprisoned paul and silas were still able to sing hymns. It speaks of the deep faith they had that all would be well. All they wanted was to do good in the way God wanted them to. If freeing the slave girl of a demon earned them stripes, what followed was astounding: the earthquake, the prison doors opened, the chains of all the prisoners unfastened, the jailor's attempted suicide. And then the jailor and his entire household came to the Lord.

Could something like this happen to us we wonder. Perhaps it has happened to us but we may not have recognised it.
Can we recall an incident in our lives when we felt an urge to do good, and then experienced a deep inner peace after having done so? This happened through the power of the Holy Spirit, promised to us by Christ. We may have no idea what resulted from our good act. We just believe that wonders can take place as Christ promised. And that we too can inspire others in chains.

FRUIT: Like Paul and Silas let me praise God regardless of what befalls me today knowing full well it is part of God's plan and is all to the good.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:5- 11.

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Jesus said to his disciples: now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'

But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.

But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
Vault mosaics, Arian Baptistry, 6th century, Ravenna.

Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

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Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler, I adore You as my true God, with God the Father and God the Son. I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You receive from the angels and saints.

I give You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You never cease to bestow on me.

O Giver of all supernatural gifts, who filled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I beg pardon.

Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity.

Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation.

Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul.
Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter.
Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world.

Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next.

Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant Good Jesus that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.