All Souls Day

Holy Souls

As a kid, I always thought that there was only Heaven and Hell. If we do well and follow God’s law, we would go to Heaven and if we did otherwise we would be condemn to Hell. On the other hand, Purgatory was a white empty space where we just go for awhile until we meet God. That has been my thought for a very long time, just until a few years ago, at a confirmation class session on Hell and Purgatory. That was when I realize what and why we go to Purgatory for real.

What is PURGATORY?

Diagram  to show life after death

The word PURGATORY comes from a Latin word “purgare” that means to make clean or purify. This purification is important because, as said in the Bible “nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in Heaven” (Rev. 21:27).”Purification of the Soul is needed to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of Heaven” which is experienced by those who die in the state of God’s grace and friendship. 

ABOUT PURGATORY

What does the SOUL go through is PURGATORY?

St. Faustina

St. Faustina in her diary explains of her vision of Purgatory:

" I saw my Guardian Angel, who ordered me to follow him. In a moment I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls. They were praying fervently, but to no avail, for themselves; only we can come to their aid. The flames, which were burning them, did not touch me at all. My Guardian Angel did not leave me for an instant. I asked these souls what their greatest suffering was. They answered me in one voice that their greatest torment was longing for God. I saw Our Lady visiting the souls in Purgatory. The souls call Her “The Star of the Sea”. She brings them refreshment. I wanted to talk with them some more, but my Guardian Angel beckoned me to leave. We went out of that prison of suffering. [I heard an interior voice which said] ‘My mercy does not want this, but justice demands it. Since that time, I am in closer communion with the suffering souls.’” (Diary, 20)

Saint Faustina Visit Purgatory with Her Guardian Angel

St. Catherine of Genoa

St.Catherine of Genoa’s mystical experience of Purgatory: 

“No tongue can tell nor explain, no mind understand, the grievousness of Purgatory. But I, though I see that there is in Purgatory as much pain as in Hell, yet see the soul which has the least stain of imperfection accepting Purgatory, as I have said, as though it were a mercy, and holding its pains of no account as compared with the least stain which hinders a soul in its love.
“I seem to see that the pain which souls in Purgatory endure because of whatever in them displeases God, that is what they have fully done against His so great goodness, is greater than any other pain they feel in Purgatory. And this is because, being in grace, they see the truth and the grievousness of the hindrance which stays them from drawing near to God.” (Treatise on Purgatory)

What do WE do for the Souls in Purgatory?

St. Gertrude the Great

While they are there, the prayers offered up by them does not apply to them but to us on Earth. They cannot pray for themselves because they have ignored God during their life. So, it is our prayers that will help them. It is very important for us to prayer for the Souls in Purgatory. 

Our Lord told Saint Gertrude the Great that the Chaplet of the Holy Souls would release 1,000 souls each time it is said.

CHAPLET OF THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY

Guide on how to pray the Chaplet

      SIX ways to HELP the SOULS in PURGATORY

     While HEAVEN and HELL is easy to understand for many, PURGATORY is something that many find hard to understand. One of my favourite examples which I read from a blog of a priest is that of children playing football in mud outside in the backyard.  And their grandmother who lives out of state comes to visit them, the children run toward her wanting to give her a hug.  But the grandmother stops them and says, "First clean yourselves up and then give me that hug that you and I want."  God our Father in Heaven. loves us, his only one desire is for all of us to be united with him in his Kingdom, but the reality is, like the children in the story we are often “covered with mud” (our worldly attachments and sin) when we die we need to be cleansed and purified before we enter into God’s Heavenly Kingdom of the all Holy Ones. Our prayers and sacrifices help those in purgatory in that process of purification and it is a very big act of charity that we cannot forget to conduct. I am very sure that all of us would appreciate those prayers when we die, so let us not forget to the same for those who have died before us.

Feast of Blessed Chiara Luce Badano

Blessed Chiara Luce Badano

Feast of the Exaltation of The Holy Cross

JESUS WHO DIED NOW GLORIFIED

According to history, in the early 4^th Century St. Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search for the Holy places of Christ’s life. During her pilgrimage she was said to have discovered the True Cross, the one which Jesus died on. It was identified when a dying woman was healed after touching it. The cross immediately became an object of veneration by many.

To this day, the Eastern Churches, Catholic and Orthodox, celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross the 14^th of September every year.The feast entered the Western calendar in the 7^th Century, after Emperor Heraclicus recovered the cross from the Persians. It is said that, the emperor intended to carry the cross back into Jerusalem by himself, but was unable to move forward until he removed his crown, imperial garb and became a barefoot pilgrim. Of course there are many other versions of the history behind the Feast of the Exaltation of The Cross.

However, the one point here is to exalt the Cross, to lift the Cross on high because of its great power, and not ourselves. We are to embrace the Cross just like Our Lord embraced His Cross. Unfortunately, today we are losing the true meaning of exalting the Cross, many on look to exalt the cross if it could heal them or if a miracle took place. The new generation has turned it into a thing of beauty to be carried in processions, worn as jewellery or just to decorate the walls of our homes and we would only buy a cross if it looks pleasing to the eyes, just as how we choose our Cross in our daily lives. The cross of our Lord had no beauty, not finely carved or sand papered, nor was it light and pocketed sized. Jesus could not choose His cross, it was just a wood that He hung on, wounded in hands, feet and sides, which He accepted humbly, all just for us, so that our wounds could be healed, our sins forgiven. Just exactly like in the gospel of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

If Jesus, a pure innocent man embraced the Cross and is exalted now on high just for us, then why can’t we do the same for Him? Why do we keep running from our crosses in life? We are always finding an easy way out. The truth is, there is no easy way out, and we all need to go to the Cross in order to be exalted in the end. We all need to face and embrace our crosses, be it unemployment, financial problems, family problems, marriage problems, all trials and tribulations. Because only when we make our sufferings one with Christ’s on the Cross, than we too can one day be exalted. It is not easy and it’ll only get harder but we need to try. Jesus, Himself said it is not easy but it’ll be worth it.

If you’re familiar with the Saints, you’ll know that this is true. If you've seen pictures of saints, they all appear with a Cross. All the saints relied on the Cross for strength, consolation, comfort, love and direction throughout their trials. For me, it is always easier to relate with the suffering Christ. I guess it is easier to look to the Cross when we feel all else has failed, just seeing Jesus on the cross wakes us up instantly, we can say to ourselves “if Jesus did it, than we can do it as well”. Not only have the saints relied on the cross, but also priest and religious.

Now, coming back to the main point, Exaltation of the Cross, to be exalted we need to be stripped away of everything. A crown for a crown of thorns, sandals to being barefoot, with a garb to being naked and then only are we worthy to carry the cross. Just like the Emperor, we have to put aside pride and just be humble it is then only we can move forward with our Cross. This is what our Lord did, because the humble will always be exalted in God’s eyes. In Philippians 2:8-11 this is clearly stated, “He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.

In conclusion, let us truly appreciate the cross and know what the Feast of Exaltation of the Cross really is to us and how we too can make changes in the way we carry our cross in life, especially when we sing the Hymn; Majesty, in hope that one day we too may be exalted just like Christ and the saints. Also, when looking to buy a cross next time, try not to emphasis on the quality or beauty of it, rather more on a cross that you can relate to, throughout your life.

Lead Me to the Cross - Francesca Battistelli 

Feast of Saint Christopher of Lycia

IMPORTANT FACTS:

He met a King and the King was proud of him and kept him close and fed him well.One day a singer
visited the King and among the folk song he sung one on the influence of Satan.By the mention
of this name,the king blessed himself with the Sign of the Cross.Wondering,Reprobus asked him why
he did that and the king's reply was : "When I make this Sign,Satan has no power over me."
Reprobus was amazed and said:"So thou fearest the power of Satan? Then he is greater than 
thou,and I shall seek and serve him."

He left and searched for Satan.One night in darkness he met a band of wild fellows riding through
the forest.It was Satan and his escort.Reprobus bravely call to him,saying he wished to serve him.
He was accepted and so soon he was convinced that Satan was not the mightiest on earth because
one day while approaching a Crucifix by the wayside, Satan quickly ran far away and Reprobus asked
him for the reason.Satan replied:"That is the image of my greatest enemy,Who conquered me 
on the Cross.From Him I always flee." When Reprobus heard this,he left Satan and went away
to search for Christ.

While wandering alone,he came to small hut hidden in the forest.At the enterance sat a venerable hermit.
Reprobus told him about his desire in serving Christ,the Lord of Heaven and Earth.Reprobus cried out
and said:"Christ is He Whom I seek,for He is the strongest and the mightiest.Tell me where 
I can find Him."The hermit told him :"He who would serve Christ must offer himself entirely 
to Him,and do and suffer everything for His sake. His reward for this will be immense 
and will last forever." 

Reprobus knew that the hermit was wise and asked him to let him stay and learn the Catholic Faith
from him.Soon Reprobus was baptised and after that he transformed into a beautiful person.He was
no longer proud of his great size and strength,he became meek and humble.He asked the hermit to
give to him some task by which he might serve God,his master.He said: "For I can not pray and fast;therefore I must serve God in some other way." The hermit led him to a broad and swift river nearby, and said: "Here build thyself a hut, and when wanderers wish to cross the river, 
carry them over for the love of Christ." For there was no bridge across the river.

So each day,Reprobus will carry people across the river since there was no bridge.One night,he heard
a little child calling to be carried across the river.He felt pity for the child and went at once to place
the child on his stout shoulder.He took his staff and walked into the mighty current.They were soon
in the middle of the river when the water rose higher and higher,and the child became heavier and
heavier.Reprobus cried out:"O child,how heavy thou art!It seems I bear the weight of the 
world on my shoulder."

The Child Jesus replied: "Right thou art.Thou bearet not only the world,but the Creator 
of Heaven and Earth.I am Jesus Christ,thy King and Lord,and henceforth thous shalt be
called Christophorus,that is,Christ-bearer.Arrived on yonder shore,plant thy staff in the ground,and in token of My power and might tomorrow it shall bear leaves and blossoms"

While kneeling,he promised the Lord to serve Him ever faithfully.He kept his promise,and from
that day he became a zealous preacher of the Gospel.He became a martyred and was satisfied with
his achievement.

Christopher became a Saint without Pope's canonization because he died in the year 254 which
was in the very early days but we do know that many intercessions asked in his name has never
been failed to be heard so because of that he is still a very powerful Saint till today.Many saints
have asked for his intercession and has known that he has never failed to obtain a miracle
for them.Saint Christopher is always remembered as a great saint for travelers since he knows
well about travelling.

Saint Christopher,Holy Patron of Travelers,

Protect me and lead me 

safely to my destiny.

Amen

In Greece, many churches place the icon of St Christopher at the entrance so that people can see it
as they enter and leave the building. There is a small poem in Greek which says,

“When you see Christopher, you can walk in safety.” 

This reflects the belief that whoever gazes upon the icon of St Christopher will not meet with Sudden
or Accidental Death.

PRAYER TO SAINT CHRISTOPHER OF LYCIA:
O Holy Patron of Travelers,help us in our journery to Heaven.You who were a great pilgrim,traveled
far to search for the Mightiest Master and thou found him in the Child Jesus.Grant us to be like you and
never lose hope when the presence of Jesus seems far away;may we always continue searching for
Him until He takes pity on us like how he did with you.May through your intercession,we may believe
and trust in Christ Jesus and bear him on our souls like thou once did bear him on thy shoulder.Amen

Saint Christopher of Lycia,Giant of the Child Jesus,Guide us in our journey to Heaven!  

Feast of Saint Charbel Mahkluf

IMPORTANT FACTS:

Charbel was very kind and quiet for he was always praying within his heart.He sacrificed the main

thing that people cannot do that is SPEAKING to others.He rarely spoke and when the time he 

spoke was during mass or during his time spent with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Ever since small,he used to take his little herd daily to the grassland because he was 

a Little Shepherd Boy.He would take care of them well and after that,he would go to a grotto 

where he would kneel in front of the Virgin Mary Icon and pray and so this grotto became his altar

and his first hermit which became later a Chapel  for prayers and pilgrimage for Believers.

When he was a teenager,he continued his theological studies in the Monastery of Saint Kouberyanous

& Justina,Kfifan-Batroun,under the care of his teacher Nehemtallah Kassab Elhardiny(Saint),who was 

the ideal for the monks and a living image of the great Sanctified Monks in his private & public life.

His teacher Nehemtallah was a great teacher and taught him deep about the Catholic Faith.That is why

his teacher became a Saint too and was canonized by Pope John Paul II.

Father Charbel lived in St. Maroun’s Monastery-Annaya for a period of 16years.He was obedient to

his superiors, sticking to his monkhood law precisely.He was stern on himself by living strict austerity 

and mortification.He rejected all worldly materials and comfort in this earthly life,to go to serve his Lord 

and the salvation of his soul.

During the year 1875,God inspired Father Charbel to live in hermitage in St. Peter & Paul in spite of
the fact that the superiors usually,do not allow seclusion in the hermit easily.While the father superior
was hesitating, he received a sign from Heaven visualized by the miracle of the lamp.As one night,
Father Charbel asked the servant to fill the lamp with oil,but instead the servant decided to fill
it with water to prank him.When the lamp reached Father Charbel,he still could light the lamp even
it was filled with water rather than oil.The lamp gave light ordinarily.This miracle gave Father Charbel
the chance to start his destiny in being a Hermit to finally go to his desired secluded home.

Jesus making a miracle through Father Charbel's prayers

 and lit the lamp for him even without oil...

After his death spiritual lights radiated from his tomb,this was the reason for which his body was

incorrupted.It was perspiring sweat & blood;was transferred into a special coffin,after the permission 

of the Maronite patriarchate,and he was placed in a new tomb, inside the monastery.At that point 

groups of Pilgrims flocked soliciting his intercession.God blessed many of these by healing them and endowing them by other spiritual blessings.Finally on December 5,1965, Pope Paul VI presided the Beatification of Father Charbel at the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council.On 9 October 1977,

Pope Paul VI presided the Canonization of Blessed Charbel.

Saint Charbel is very well known for his rapid prayers for the Conversion of Hardened Sinners due to
his life of sacrifice which was constantly offered up for poor sinners.His prayers are always heard by
God and are immediately transformed in a sinner during his lifetime and after his death.May those
who seek him be transformed by his prayers.

 

Saint Charbel Mahkluf,one who meditates deeply
 for sinners and pleads for God's mercy upon us,
Bring us safely to the Throne of God with your
Humble and Powerful prayers!

Quotes of Saint Charbel:

• " We cannot fight the evil one with his own weapon"
• Without always professing the 3 evangelical counsels publicly,hermits"devote their life to the praise of God and salvation of the world through a stricter separation from the world,the silence of solitude and assiduous prayer and penance".

"The conversions of souls are numerous
 and still more precious
than the cures of bodies.

PRAYER TO SAINT CHARBEL:

Pure and Holy Saint Charbel,ever close to the Heart of Jesus and Mary,pray deeply for us to them.

May we be able to live a life of prayer and may our lives be shield by constant prayers offered up to

Jesus just like how you did during your lifetime.Grant us the spirit of prayer that we may draw closer 

to Jesus daily.Though we struggle to live a life of prayer,we trust that you may gain for us the graces 

necessary to make our prayer life stronger with Jesus.Amen.

Saint Charbel Mahkluf, Lover of Prayer and Meditations,pray for us daily to Jesus and Mary!

Feast of Saint Bridget of Sweden

IMPORTANT FACTS:

The 14th of June 1303, at the moment Bridget was born, Benedict, the curate of Rasbo,prayed for the

happy deliverance of Ingeborde.Suddenly he found himself enveloped by a luminous cloud out of which
Our Lady appeared:
                                

“A child has been born at Birger; her voice

 will be heard by the entire world.”

St. Ingrid,whose death had occurred about 20 years before Bridget's birth,was a near relative of
the family.So she did have a Saint in the midst of her relatives and she grew in a strong Catholic
background but she was still a normal person who struggled with her faith and she had a lot of questions
for Jesus.

She wanted to know all about Jesus that after her husband's death,she spent all her time in prayer.
She talked daily to Jesus like how you will normally talk to a friend and she asked Jesus daily.
Some friends will feel irritated but not Jesus.He instead was pleased by her questions that He came
down from Heaven which she saw in one of her visions.She saw Him stand on the clouds with Angels
by His side and He looked at her with loving eyes and told her how pleased He was with her questions
that He came to reveal it to her by Himself.She was filled with awe and she cried because she knew
how much Jesus' loved her that He took the time to come down specially for her to answer her
questions which she thought did not make sense but she just asked out of a strong desire.

After that incident,she would find time to spend it with Jesus in the tabernacle and there were times she
could not see Jesus but she felt Him deep within her soul.There were times when she felt miserable and
could not feel Him at all and these were the times she spent longer hours near the tabernacle.She never
lost hope in Jesus and knew how to be understanding towards Jesus' feelings and sorrows.She knew
how to be a divine spouse.She is an example for those who doubt that married life and divine favour
can go hand in hand.

Saint Bridget knew sorrow and she shared it with Jesus.Though some of her children were wayward
and not all became Saints,she loved them and offered them all to the will of God.Jesus in return took
care of all,even though her children was straying away.His invisible hand was always with them.
He protected them and strived to bring them all to Heaven even though not canonized as Saints;
they manage to meet all the Saints in Heaven due to the prayers and sufferings of Saint Bridget
(their mother).

Through the life of Saint Bridget,we can know that all silence and sufferings can be made beautiful if
only we be patient with our failures;God will turn all failures into beauty when our life here on
earth is over.So let us be patient with ourselves and pray the prayers written by Saint Bridget and
trust in the promises of Jesus like how she did and may God raises us high to be among the canonized
Saints just like He did with Saint Bridget of Sweden.

She was canonized,7 October, 1391,by Pope Boniface IX.In 1999,she,Saints Catherine of Siena
(April 29) and Teresa Benedicts of the Cross (Edith Stein, August 9) were named co-patronesses
of Europe.

Here is the chapel in St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome where St. Bridget 

received the private revelation of the 15 prayers

Visitors to the Church of St. Paul at Rome can see the crucifix, above the Tabernacle in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, sculptured by Pierre Cavallini, before which St. Bridge knelt when she received 

these 15 prayers from Our Lord.The following inscription is placed in the church to commemorate 

the event: “Pendentis, Pendente Dei verba accepit aure accipit et verbum corde Brigitta Deum.

Anno Jubilei MCCCL.”

As St. Bridget for a long time wanted to know the number of blows Our Lord received during His 

Passion,He one day appeared to her and said: “I received 5480 blows on My Body.If you wish to

honor them in some way, say 15 Our Fathers and 15 Hail Mary’s with the following Prayers 

(which He taught her) for a whole year.When the year is up, you will have honored each one of 

My Wounds.”

Quote of Saint Bridget :

• “Blessed may you be, my Lord Jesus Christ.For our salvation you allowed your side and heart to be pierced with a lance and from that side water and your precious blood flowed out abundantly for our redemption.”

Saint Bridget of Sweden and around her are the 

Brigittines nuns and the Order of St.Saviour 

 which was founded by her..

PRAYER TO SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN:

O Heavenly Saint Bridget,you who dealt with failures but endured it with great patience,intercede for us.
We need your help to remain focus on Jesus and not on our failures.May we know that God can
change all failures into goodness just like how He did with your life.Please help us to be granted the
grace of being patience when God is being silent in answering our prayers and pray for us daily to Jesus with your powerful words which you wrote for us in prayers so that we may be transformed by Jesus like how He transformed you.Amen.
Saint Bridget of Sweden,the one who was filled with the Holy Spirit to write beautiful prayers,
Intercede for us!

Feast of Saint Maria Goretti

IMPORTANT FACTS:

Maria was a very simple and poor child but was a prayerful girl.She had a very beautiful attitude and she was transparent in her Faith.Her attitude reflected on God and Jesus' Divine image shone brightly
upon her little soul.

Little Maria had many difficulties in her life and if any child was in her place would have easily gave 
up on God but she was different because she never gave up! Problems became worse due to her
dad,Luigi who was poor in health,he needed 2 men to help him:Giovanni Serenelli & son,18-year-old Alessandro.They moved in with the Goretti’s,adding more work for little Maria and her mother.
Soon her dad contracted malaria and died.Before dying he told Assunta to take the children and leave
their home because he told her it was not safe but Maria refuse to leave because she knew she would
be far away from the place where she had so many memories with her dad.This made it worse for little Maria because she loved her dad and missed him.She would go daily to the Cemetery to visit her dad
and place flowers for him.She would explain how her day was to her dad and then return home happily.

Soon problems started to rise,her mum was forced to work in the fields by Giovanni who was
threatening to throw them out.Little Maria took over the care of the household and the younger children.Though she was little,she always had a strong motherly attitude towards her siblings.She
cared for each one and loved them deeply.She had a very selfless attitude towards them and gave
her all to take care of them.

Days passed by and Alessandro grew deeper in evil and lustful desires,he spent his free time reading
lurid magazines and decorated his room with impure pictures.He fixed his misguided affections on
little Maria.He thought she was small and knew nothing so it would be easy to catch her in his lustful
attempts and so he made her life a living Hell.He tried to be nice and trick her into his evil intentions.

Engulf  by the passions of his days and tempted by the Devil with impious reading and thoughts,
Alessandro Serenelli had been a thorn in little Maria's side.He propositioned her on several occasions
and harassed her with impure suggestions.On July 5, 1902, he would be denied no longer.As she
once again refused his sexual advance while she fought like a little tigress,shouting,

 "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!"

Alessandro lunged to the deed, stabbing Maria 14 times without mercy given and she fell to the ground bleeding in a pool of blood.She suffered terribly and he did not bother and he walked away while she

asked for his help.Soon her mother found out but it was late,she lost too much of blood.Her mother was in shock to find her in such a state,she questioned her little Maria,who answered in a weak voice,

"It was Alessandro, Mama... Because he wanted me to 
commit an awful sin and I would not."

She was then quickly rushed to the Hospital.On her way to the hospital,her mum heard her pray this words:

"Jesus you have suffered so much for me,
please help me in my suffering for you"

At the hospital,she was thirsty and begged for water.She cried: "I thirst',but even in their pity they could

not give her water because due to the severe stabs that pierced her heart,her lungs and her intestines
were severed.Her mother only could soaked her handkerchief with Holy Water and touch it to little
Maria's lips.Little Maria lived 24 hours just enough to receive the Last Sacraments.She was made a
Child of Mary and was given the Medallion with a blue ribbon to be placed around her neck.Little Maria
kissed it gently and prayed:

" Mary conceived without sin pray for us

who have recourse to Thee"

On the Sunday morning,6 July 1902,she was given her Holy Communion and suddenly her face glowed

with a supernatural light.She gently said: 

" I forgive my murderer out of my love for Jesus.

Alessandro will join me in Heaven,as I have forgiven

 him and I pray that God will too.Soon I will meet

 him face to face!"

She whispered:"The Madonna is waiting for me"...
July 6,1902,at 3.45pm,little Maria at age 11 and 9 months old died while she kissed the cross.After her death an enormous public outpouring of devotion took place.Many knelt to the ground praying and
crying at her graveside;many asked for her intercession and received an answer immediately.
She was beatified on April 27,1947 by the Roman Catholic Church.She was then canonized on
June 24,1950 and finally was declared a Saint in St. Peter's Square by Pope Pius XII,becoming the
youngest officially recognized Roman Catholic saint ever. 

“Behold, now she follows the Lamb who
 was crucified for us,powerful in virginity,
modesty her offering,a sacrifice on
 the altar of chastity.”

Quotes of Saint Maria Goretti:

• "He loves,He hopes,He waits.Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years than keep us waiting an instant.." 

PRAYER TO SAINT MARIA GORETTI:
Heroic Martyr of Purity,protect us in this world of darkness.Pray for us to be granted
grace to grow deeper in love with Jesus and to avoid whatever that will tarnish our 
souls with sin.Prevent us from being damned to Hell due to the sins of the flesh and 
shield us with the Blood of Jesus which defended you from being tarnished by the sin
of lust.Intercede for us and the world until we are all gathered safely in the Heavenly Kingdom of God.Amen
Saint Maria Goretti,Virgin that was in the Blood of the Lamb,shield us with the
Blood of Christ Jesus! 

FEAST OF MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP

Mother of Perpetual Help, Pray for us!

Feast Day of Saint Thomas More and Saint John Fisher

Quotes of Saint Thomas More:

• I do not care very much what men say of me,provided that God approves of me.

Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua

IMPORTANT FACTS:

Saint Anthony's real name was actually Fernando Martins de Bulhoes.Ever since he was small,he

had a great desire to be a priest.When his parents refuse to give him permission to be a priest.He 

never gave up but sought the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary.He begged her to soften the hearts of 

his parents.Finally at age 15,they allowed him and he was so thankful to his Heavenly Mother for he 

knew he could always count on her.

After hearing the death of Saint Bernard and companions,the first martyrs of the Franciscan Order,

Saint Anthony was filled with a great desire to suffer martyrdom and to spill his blood for Christ.So

he repeatedly begged his superiors to give him leave to join the Franciscan Order.

Anthony did not know that God had greater plans for him and it was not being a martyr.So as he
arrived in Africa,he became very sick without any reason.After he recovered,he was very weak
and no one bother to help him until he met Father Gratian.This Father showed him compassion and
sent him to a little convent.9 months,he was there as a chaplain to the hermits.He was given the
lowliest duties of the kitchen and convent.He accepted all sufferings given from God with all his heart
and he never lost hope in trying to fulfill God's plan in his life.

Before being very known for his miracles,he was actually very timid and quiet during his lifetime.He
could barely preach to anyone and so he spend many hours praying and by the grace of daily prayers
and meditations,he was soon transformed by the Holy Spirit into a famous preacher and an expert in
having great knowledge about the scriptures.His life was fully transformed by grace into the image
of Christ Himself.Anthony knew well that if the Lord Jesus did not take pity on him;he would have not performed as many miracles as we all can see until today done through the intercession of Saint Anthony
of Padua.

Anthony was often found preaching to the fishes at sea once he knew that the heretics refuse to listen
to his preaching of the true Gospel.The fishes at sea gave him a better response than the heretics.
Though many miracles happen during his lifetime,he never took credit for it but always offered it up to
Jesus who performed miracles through him.He knew he was a humble servant of God and that God
always chooses the lowest to do the highest miracles and wonders in God's name.Anthony knew
that HUMILITY was his KEY to Heaven.

That is why Mother Mary entrusted the Child Jesus to Anthony for she knew her son was very found
of him.She knew that Anthony made her little child happy so by the order of her son,she appeared to
Anthony with the Child Jesus in her arms.She gave Anthony the honour to hold the Child Jesus in his
arms and to take care of her little child since the Child Jesus desired deeply to spent time with
Anthony and Mother Mary knew well that her child's wishes should be granted.That is how the
Child Jesus appeared many times to Anthony.

Though it has been 784 years after his death,Anthony stands firms until this very day and is truly
a great model of HUMILITY;especially today when the world has become so prideful with all its knowledge,wealth and evilness.We should follow his way of  HUMILITY which he followed well
from Jesus.We also must be very careful not to parade our good deeds before men to be noticed by
them for this kind of deeds are the ones done in vain but rather do the deeds that are seen by the
Father and He will reward you greatly in Heaven.We can see this well through the life of Anthony
who practiced this well during his life which made him be enrolled among the saints the very next year
after his faithful death by Pope Gregory IX.Saint Anthony was canonized (declared a saint) less 
than 1 year after his death.Finally was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII on
16 January 1946.       

This all was POSSIBLE due to his great HUMILITY which he always kept dear to his heart until
this very day.Every miracle performed by him until today,is never done to get appaluse from people
but rather done to bring people closer to God and to glorify God's name.

Quotes of Saint Anthony of Padua:

• The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey,and whoever is fed by this sweetness produces fruit.
• Mary provides shelter for the sinner.
• Just as a tower defends a fortress,so humility of heart defends bodily chastity from the darts of fornication.
• Listen to the word of God,O ye fishes of the sea and of the river,seeing that the faithless heretics refuse to do so.
• Actions speak louder than words;let your words teach and your actions speak.
• The SAINTS are like the stars.In his providence Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may not shine before others when they might wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the quiet of  contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive in their heart the invitation of Christ.

PRAYER TO SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA:
Saint Anthony,Model of Humility,plead for us to the Child Jesus that we may be granted the
grace of humility in our hearts.May we always carry Christ humility in our hearts and respond with
love towards all the insults of this world.Pray for our hearts to be cleansed by Jesus most precious
Blood so that we will be able to accept Him worthly in our hearts.Saint Anthony through thy
intercession bring the Child Jesus clearly into our hearts to experience the true humility of Christ
Jesus.Amen.
Saint Anthony of Padua,whose heart is ever humble and truly holds the Child Jesus in Thy arms,
Pray for us!

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PRAY FOR US NOW, 

AND AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH!

Our Lady said to the child Lucia at FATIMA:
"I will never leave you; My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge, and the way that will lead you to God".

EXPLANATION OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY AND THE GREEN SCAPULAR

FURTHER EXPLANATION ON THE GREEN SCAPULAR

 PART 1

 PART 2

YOU CAN ALSO MAKE YOUR OWN GREEN SCAPULARS:

Here are 2 Links that can help you make your own Green Scapular!

http://www.rosarymakersguide.org/makeagreenscapular.htm

http://stutler.cc/green_scapular/index.html

REMINDER: Get a Priest to Bless the Scapulars first before using them.

PRAYER TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY:
O Immaculate Mary,guide us to the right path of Heavenly goodness and teach us not to store up treasures on earth,where moth and rust will destroy it but rather store up treasures in Heaven where no moth and rust will destroy it .O Mother,may all our prayers and sufferings be offered up to you in the correct manner so that we will be able to enjoy the fruits of its Heavenly promises.Amen.

Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us now,and at the hour of our death! 

FEAST OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

SACRED HEART OF JESUS I TRUST IN THEE,

SACRED HEART OF JESUS THY KINGDOM COME!

JESUS said to SAINT MARGARET MARY:

"My Divine Heart is so inflamed with love for men,and for you in particular that,being               unable any longer to contain within Itself needs spread them abroad by your means,and               the flames of Its burning Charity, It must sanctification and salvation necessary to 

 manifest Itself to mankind in order to enrich them with the precious graces of and ignorance

 for the accomplishment of this great design, in order that everything may be withdraw them 

 from the abyss of perdition.I have chosen you as an abyss of unworthiness done by Me."

               

EXPLANATION OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

EUCHARIST MIRACLE OF LANCIANO,ITALY

THE HOST and BLOOD

THE RELIQUARY

PRAYER TO THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS:

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,make my heart like Thine.Make it one with Thee like how Thy Heart

is one with the Father.I give you my heart;take it and make it ever Thine.Guide and instruct this heart

of mine which is weaken by sin with thy ever powerful love;thy love which overcomes sin.Amen.

Sacred Heart I trust In Thee,Sacred Heart of Jesus Thy Kingdom Come!

Feast of Saint Dominic Savio

IMPORTANT FACTS:

He was a beautiful child with an angelic soul.He enjoyed praying and loved Jesus and Mary with

an unexplainable love in his heart.At age 4,he already knew all his prayers by heart and he said 

them daily without being bored of it! 

He desired to be a priest and most of all a Saint!He followed closely the teachings of John Bosco

and never complained when there was sufferings in his life.He did things cheerfully.

The only thing he despised the most is when someone does not say grace before meals.He would

remind those who forget to say it.One day before dinner could start,his parents was busy

talking and the grace before meals was forgotten;but he was too attentive.He said, "Father,we have

not yet asked God's blessing on our food" and he made the Sign of the Cross and began the usual

prayer.Another time,a stranger was staying with them and he sat down to have his meal without

any act of religion.Dominic did not like to speak of it openly so he moved from the table and went

to one of his quiet corners.When his parents asked him about his unusual attitude,he replied:

" I could not remain at table with one who eats as do the animals without a thought of God."

                                            John Bosco and Saint Dominic Savio

He loved John Bosco and that was his best friend.Dominic followed him everywhere and he obeyed
all that he said.Dominic found John Bosco when he entered the school run by  John Bosco.
John Bosco examined him first and at the end of the questions, Dominic asked,
"What do you think of me?" John Bosco answered him, "I think you're good material,"
Dominic said, "Well, then,you are a good tailor,so if the material is good, take me and make
a new suit out of me for Our Lord!"

There was once,the Rector wanted to show his gratefulness for the boys and wanted to give them
little gifts so he said that they could ask for what they wished and, if it were possible,he would give
it to them.Requests were to be written down,and there were some strange and bizarre requests made
by some of the boys.Dominic took a piece of paper and wrote these words:

"I ask one thing only, that you help me to save my soul and make me a saint”.

There was one time,he stopped a massive stone-throwing fight between 2 angry boys.Holding up
a little crucifix between them,he said, "Before you fight,look at this and say,'Jesus Christ was innocent and He died forgiving His murderers.I am a sinner,and I am going to hurt Him 
by not forgiving my enemies.' Then you can start - and throw your first stone at me!"

Besides stopping great arguments,he enjoyed frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament and he tried
to bring others along with him.He prayed hours at there and enjoyed talking to Jesus through prayer.
In 1856 he set up the Sodality of Mary Immaculate with a group of his friends,to carry out 
apostolic work together.Don Bosco’s mother (Mamma Margaret),who had come to Turin to 
help her priest son in his school, said one day:“You have many good boys, but none can 
match the good heart and soul of Dominic Savio. I see him so often at prayer,
staying in church after the others;every day he slips out of the playground to make 
a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.When he is in church he is like an angel living
in paradise.”

Resolve to Become a Saint:
Around six months after Dominic had come to the Oratory, he had the occasion to listen to a talk on sainthood. John Bosco records that the talk had 3 main points that impressed Dominic:

1.)That it is God’s will that each one should become a saint.
2.)That it is easy to become a saint.
3.)That there is a great reward waiting in heaven for 
those who try to become saints.

       Dominic came up with a program...

There was a custom in this House for the boys to make the exercise for a Happy Death each month
which was created by John Bosco.This exercise consists in making a Confession and Communion
as though they were to be the last. Pope Pius IX in his goodness has enriched this exercise with many indulgences.Dominic used to make it with great earnestness.It is the custom at the end of the exercise
to say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father for 'the one amongst us who 
will be the first to die'. One day Dominic said smiling:

"It should not be for the one amongst us who will be

 the first to die, but for Dominic Savio who will 

be the first to die amongst us”. 

He said this many times.

This came true and he soon died on March 9,1857.The whole school was sad and things came back normal.Dominic was not around but they talked about him all day like he was around.His parents were

filled with deep sorrow.His father missed him so much that he could not do anything.He just thought

of his caring son and the love Dominic gave him.One day his father had a vision of him and his father

wrote it down :

" I was in the greatest affliction at the loss of my son,and was consumed by a desire to 

know what was his position in the other world.God deigned to comfort me.About a month

after his death,during a very restless night,I saw,as it were,the ceiling opened,and Dominic appeared in the midst of dazzling light.I was beside myself at this sight,and cried out:

"O Dominic,my son,are you already in Paradise?" "Yes",he replied,"I am in Heaven".

Then pray for your brothers and sister,and your mother and father,that we may all come 

to join you one day in Heaven"."Yes,yes,I will pray",was the answer.Then he disappeared,

and the room became as before".

The veneration of Dominic Savio grew with the vision of his father and with John Bosco's
written biography,The Life of Dominic Savio,by which brought to his canonization.Though some
were of an opinion that Dominic was too young to be canonized, Pope Saint Pius X insisted that this
was not so,and started the process of his canonization.Dominic Savio was declared Venerable in 1933
by Pope Pius XI,was beatified in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, and finally declared a SAINT in 1954.
That day,Saint Dominic Savio must have been the most satisfied Saint in Heaven for during his lifetime
he kept saying,"If I am not trying to be a Saint,I am doing nothing at all.I will not have any 
peace if I don't keep on trying." Pope Pius XI described him as “small in size,but a towering giant
in spirit.”

Quotes of Saint Dominic Savio:

• If I do not become a Saint,I am doing nothing.
• I am not capable of doing big things,but I want to do everything,even the smallest things,for the greater glory of God.
• I feel a longing and a need to be a Saint.I did not know it was so easy to be one,but now I see that one can be holy and happy too.I feel I simply must be a Saint.

PRAYER TO SAINT DOMINIC SAVIO:
O Angelic Saint Dominic Savio,one who made great efforts to be a Saint through simple good works.
Pray for us to follow your simple ways and help us to understand the path to Sainthood is through
simplicity and not to complicate our minds with great works.May we always know that Jesus is
always interested in our efforts and not on the results of accomplishments in our lives.Amen
Saint Dominic Savio,who achieved a simple way to Sainthood through simpleness of life,pray for us!