Feast of St Joseph of Nazareth : Chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mary

IMPORTANT FACTS :

Joseph of Nazareth was a very simple man and he was very quiet.He was humble and if people looked at him,there was no looks or richness to attract anyone but this did not mean that the Almighty God did not admire him.The Almighty God instead made him be such a way so that he may not attract wrong things towards him.Therefore he was always pleasing to the sight of God and that made the Almighty chose him 

as the foster father for His Beloved Son,Jesus.The Almighty knew that Joseph will be the perfect father to take His place here on earth and to mould Jesus into a proper human being. 

As we can see,Joseph brought Jesus up with the help of Mary,his chaste spouse and the Almighty was always directing Joseph's ways.Though Jospeh was only human,he was very blessed to be given the authority to take charge of the Child Jesus here on earth. He was given God's blessings to instruct Jesus
and Jesus obeyed His foster father and loved him dearly for Jesus knew how much of trouble Joseph went through to keep Him safe from all harm that came darting His way.

Joseph,Mary and the Child Jesus : Flight into Egypt 

On the other hand,Joseph never thought that one day he will be holding God's son in his own hands and be the protector of God's son.He never imagine it but when that day came,he embraced every moment of it even if he had many doubts because who would ever imagine the words of the Angel who proclaimed this words:"Do not be afraid, Joseph,son of David,to take to thee Mary thy wife, for that which is begotten of her is of the Holy Spirit.And she shall bring forth a son,and thou shall call his name Jesus;for he shall save the people from their sins." If anyone was in Joseph's situation would have doubt as much as he did because it was unbelievable for an Angel of the Lord to appear out of a sudden to a humble and poor man.Many if were in Joseph's place would have ran away in fear and doubt but Joseph was given the grace from God to not run but stay and see the end of this mystery which soon would transform his entire life.

The Angel appeared to Joseph

Joseph was a good foster father and he taught Jesus many secret things which only the Almighty God knows because Joseph was the hidden image of God to the Child Jesus.As the Child Jesus grew,then Joseph knew that this Child was truly from the Most High because Jesus taught Joseph many things he did not know and increase his faith in God.Especially the time when the boy Jesus was 12 years of age,went missing for 3 days without letting Joseph and Mary know where he was going.They searched every place and was so worried until the third day;they found him in the temple.When Joseph asked boy Jesus why did he go missing without them knowing,the boy Jesus replied :“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”Joseph did not understand what the boy Jesus was saying to him and Mary  but Joseph admired the brightness of his foster child's knowledge and praised God for His only Son, Jesus.

The boy Jesus in the Temple was finally found by Joseph and Mary 

Time came when Joseph knew that he became apart of God's family which many would have deeply desired to be chosen but only he was chosen to be the Foster Father of Jesus.He started to understand that he had many privileges from God to be by Jesus throughout the journey of  Jesus childhood and witness the birth and arrival of God into this poor and hopeless world.Joseph was amazed to think that he was able to be by Mary's side and the Child Jesus to witness the homage of the Magi that came from the East with valuable gifts for the Little Child Jesus laying in the manger.Which Joseph still did not understand who was really the Child and what was the purpose of the Child coming to this world because his soul was not enlightened
by the touch of God.

Arrival of the Magi to honour the Infant Jesus

But it was partly revealed in the presentation the Child Jesus in the temple when Simeon blessed them but then said to Mary, “A sword shall pierce your soul,for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel,and this to their undoing.But he will be the greatest joy of many others.And the deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.” Though Simeon's words made Joseph and Mary speechless,it did make their hearts open to the words of the Almighty speaking through Simeon.

The Simeon with the Child Jesus and the Prophecy given to Mary and Joseph

As Joseph grew older each day,his soul increased in faith,his mind increased with knowledge of Heavenly things and his heart increased in a deeper love for the Almighty God.His soul was stronger since the presence of Jesus and Mary was always with him and he grew in a holy surrounding which enabled his soul to flourish with many extraordinary graces from the Most High.As the days came by,Jesus and Mary knew the exact hour that Joseph was going and so Mary prayed seeking her Son's blessings upon Joseph's soul.

The exact words of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Venerable Mary of Jesus of Agreda :-

The Blessed Virgin asked her Son,Jesus on behalf of Joseph:

"Lord God Most High, Son of the eternal Father and Savior of the world, by thy divine light I see the hour approaching which thou hast decreed for the death of they servant Joseph. I beseech Thee, by thy ancient mercies and by thy infinite bounty, to assist him in that hour by thy almighty power.Let his death be as precious in the eyes, as the uprightness of his life was pleasing to Thee, so that he may depart in peace and in the certain hope of the eternal reward to be given to him on the day in which Thou shalt open the gates of heaven for all the faithful.Be mindful, my Son, of the humility and love of thy servant;of his exceeding great merits and virtues; of the fidelity and solicitude by which this just man has supported Thee and me, thy humble handmaid, in the sweat of his brow."

The Lord Jesus answered: "My Mother, thy request is pleasing to me, and the merits of Joseph are acceptable in my eyes.  I will now assist him and will assign him a place among the princes of my people
(Ps. 115, 15),so high that he will be the admiration of the Angels and will cause them and all men to break forth in highest praise.With none of the human born shall I do as with thy spouse."

For nine days and nights before the death of Joseph he uninterruptedly enjoyed the company 
and attendance of Mary or her divine Son. By command of the Lord the holy angels,
three times on each f the nine days, furnished celestial music, mixing their hymns of praise with the benedictions of the sick man.Moreover, their humble but most precious dwelling
 was filled with the sweetest fragrance and odors so wonderful that they comforted not only Joseph,but invigorated all the numerous persons who happened to come near the house.

The exact words of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Venerable Mary of Jesus of Agreda :-

The last words which Joseph spoke to his Spouse were:

"Blessed art Thou among all women and elect of all the creatures.  Let angels and men praise Thee; 

let all the generations know, praise and exalt thy dignity; and may in Thee be known, adored and exalted 

the name of the Most High through all the coming ages; may He be eternally praised for having 

created Thee so pleasing in his eyes and in the sight of all the blessed spirits.I hope to enjoy thy 

sight in the heavenly fatherland."

As we can see,Joseph was the first one to once to the Holy Ones in limbo the Good News that soon Jesus,

the Redeemer of the World shall rescue them from the dark limbo and conducted them to Heaven.Joseph was given the news from Jesus that conformably to the will and mandate of the Lord, Joseph's arrival spread unutterable joy in this countless gathering of the saints by the announcement of their speedy rescue.

The moment of Joseph's death was given to Venerable Mother Mary of Jesus of Agreda (1602-1665) by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself and is very inspiring and shows why the Church has acclaimed St. Joseph as the Patron of a Happy Death.

The video of the Life of Saint Joseph

That is why Joseph was crowned Saint in Heaven and was raised above all the other Saints in Heaven because his life was worth Glorifying.The Almighty was pleased with the life of Joseph and has given him much grace that whoever seek his intercession shall never be disappointed for his prayers are never declined by the Almighty God.  

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH OF NAZARETH :

Feast of Saint Patrick of Ireland

IMPORTANT FACTS :

Patrick was ignorant and confused most of the time but when he found Jesus;his life changed.
Patrick knew well that the Lord had mercy on his youth and ignorance, and afforded him the opportunity
to be forgiven of his sins and converted to Christianity.During captivity,Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd and strengthened his relationship with God through prayer eventually leading him to convert to Christianity.

When he was in Ireland,he converted wealthy women,some of whom became nuns in the face of family opposition.He also dealt with the sons of kings,converting them to the faith.
There was a time when Patrick recalled that he had a vision a few years after returning home and he wrote
in his book:

"I saw a man coming, as it were from Ireland. His name was Victoricus, and he carried many letters, and he gave me one of them.I read the heading: "The Voice of the Irish". 

As I began the letter, I imagined in that moment that I heard the voice 

of those very people who were near the wood of Foclut, which is beside 

the western sea—and they cried out, as with one voice: 

"We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us."

Patrick was very well known for the Shamrock, which St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity, is a symbol that has become synonymous with Irish Catholic culture.He was very creative in teaching the faith
that many were amazed with him and some were very jealous.

He died on March 17, 461 at Saul, where he had built the first Irish church.He was buried in Down Cathedral, Downpatrick. His grave was marked in 1990 with a granite stone.
When he died many missed his creative teachings but they never forgot what he taught them and that
is why until today we can still use the Shamrock to teach people about the Holy Trinity in such a easy
way and that is thanks to Saint Patrick.

Saint Patrick was not officially canonized by the Pope but many called him a Saint and the Catholic Church

has accepted him as a Saint in Heaven and therefore we are lucky to have him as a Saint.The people in
Ireland really loves him and they have placed a statue of him over the mountain which was very well known
to be Saint Patrick's favourite place during his time here on earth.

 Statue of St Patrick, at the foot of Croagh Patrick Holy Mountain,

 Westport, County Mayo, Ireland 

Quotes of Saint Patrick of Ireland:

• If I be worthy, I live for my God to teach the heathen,even though they may despise me.
• Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.
• I am Patrick, a sinner, most uncultivated and least of all the faithful and despised in the eyes of many.
• The Lord opened the understanding of my unbelieving heart, so that I should recall my sins.

The colour Green has been the symbol of nature due to the teachings of Saint Patrick 

who always taught the people of Ireland by using the Gift of Nature.

PRAYER TO SAINT PATRICK OF IRELAND:
O Saint Patrick,Lover of Nature,you who treasured the gift of nature and desired to bring God through His wonderful gift of nature to the people of Ireland;intercede for us.Grant us grace to find ways to spread
the Good News of the Lord in a creative way.Teach us to seek the Most Holy Trinity daily in our lives that we like you may be transform each day into beautiful shamrock of Christ.Amen.
Saint Patrick of Ireland,Beautiful Shamrock of the Most Holy Trinity,pray for us!

Feast of Saint Valentine of Rome

IMPORTANT FACTS:

During the 3rd century,Roman Emperor Claudius II reigned over the empire for 2 years and was known 

for being very strict in building up the military power.He made sure that none of his soldiers should be married because he wanted them to focus on work rather than be obligated to their wives.He made a

rule that none should be married and banned marriage.He persecuted the Catholic Church and was against the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

He did not have a proper understanding of love and his love was made out of lust.He started to teach 

many the wrong meaning about love.Soon many people were living in sin and was indulging in lustful behaviours which alerted Valentine who served as a priest during that time.

Father Valentine's preachings touched the hearts of many.People's life started to change and they started

to live in holiness and was aware of Emperor Claudius II evil rule.After Father Valentine was caught and imprisoned,miracles continued to flow from him.

Father Valentine took pity on Asterius daughter who was blind and decided to show her God's mercy

through his words and compassion. Asterius daughter was so impressed that she wanted Father Valentine

to intercede for her to be cured from being blindness.Her pure love of friendship grew stronger with Father Valentine and her visits became daily and Father Valentine taught her to pray.Each day,Asterius and his daughter came to Father Valentine's prison cell and prayed with him without the knowing of Claudius II.

One day,God answered their prayer because God saw how much they believed in His persecuted servant,

Father Valentine. Asterius daughter could see and she was thankful to God and this astonishing miracle

led her and Asterius to be converted to the Catholic Faith.

Then came a day,Emperor Claudius II came to know that many people were secretly entering into the 

prison where Father Valentine was locked up and they were found praying with Father Valentine.

Claudius II hated this outcome and made a decision to end the life of Father Valentine as quickly as 

possible.

Before dying,Father Valentine was not able to see his young friend,Asterius daughter,so he wrote her a 

letter and promised her that they shall meet in Heaven the Country of Pure Love where Love REIGNS because God is Love.At the end of his letter,he sign off by saying : From your Valentine. 

Before his soul left the body,he prayed that people will understand the true meaning of God's love and be blessed with an understanding of God's love that is unshakeable. 

In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his Martyrdom.

THE SKULL OF VALENTINE

The flower-adorned skull of St. Valentine is on display in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome.

 In the early 1800s, the excavation of a catacomb near Rome yielded skeletal remains and other 

relics now associated with St. Valentine.

                           

                                 The Story of Saint Valentine.A short film.

  

                                           
                                         
                   
                       

~ LOVE is the pathway of the CROSS

 that leads to the Country of Pure Love ~

                                       Statue of Saint Valentine of Rome.

This is the man who suffered so much for pure love but has been forgotten throughout generations
on 14 February the day he died for God's pure love.Many have made Valentine's day a sinful day 
and have banned this day because of all the sins done on this day due to the 
temptations of LUST.People have understood the meaning of Saint Valentine's day in a
wrong and sinful way..
Let us not be like that and take a moment to respect this day and remember how much torture
Saint Valentine went through for us so that we may able to love and know that marriage is built
on pure love and not on the lust of humankind.May we know that this day was not made for 
married couples but also for families and for everyone that you love,especially for God 
because the Almighty one is the ETERNAL LOVE and we should remember this verse
from the Bible, 1 John 4:10,

This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and

 sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

PRAYER TO SAINT VALENTINE OF ROME:
O Glorious Martyr of Love,Saint Valentine intercede for us poor sinners to know the true value of God's love.Teach our souls how patient,kind,and truthful love can be,so that we may bring it to this needful world which is lacking love.O Humble Saint,you prayed daily and taught many people about God's unfailing love;your teachings brought the love of God into the lives of married couples and encouraged their lives to be centred in God's pure love.You trusted in love and knew that love can crush the head of evil and triumph over the Devil and you proved it during the time of your martyrdom.Obtain for us the grace to grow deep in love for God each day until we arrive safely to join you and witness the love of God with all the Saints in Heaven for all eternity.Amen.

O Loveable Saint Valentine,Armor of the Love of Christ, pray for us!

Feast of Blessed Laura Del Carmen Vicuna Pino.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

Little Laura was a serious girl for those who did not know her but to those who knew her,she was their
little Guardian Angel.For she took care of them with love even through her own weakness the
LIGHT OF CHRIST was shining through her soul.
Laura learned to repay love with love for her classmates and the Nuns in her school.She helped the younger children with making their beds and combing their hair or mending their clothes.She was a peacemaker for the children's quarrels.

Age 11,Laura realised her call to religious life and asked her Bishop for approval to become a Salesian
sister but He replied:"Just wait a little longer child." When Laura told her confessor about her plan,he
advised her that if she made such an offer, God might accept it and would take her life quickly.The
words of her confessor made her more confident in offering her prayers.She offered this special prayer
of hers during her First  Holy Communion.

Laura often called the Blessed Sacrament,"Jesus' Little House".The nuns taught her about the true presence of Jesus is alive in the tabernacle and that all prayers offered up infront of the Blessed Sacrament
is always answered by Jesus.During her free time,she spent many hours infront of the Blessed Sacrament,
praying for her mother to leave Manuel Mora and to start living in a holy state.One of her constant prayers before the tabernacle became,"Jesus, I wish that Mama would know You better and be happy."

During her holidays,Laura will go back to her home but could never find peace at there due to Manuel Mora's evil attitude.She wanted to pray as a family but was never given that chance.Manuel Mora on the other hand,hated anyone praying at home so it made difficult for Laura to pray.Her mother warned her not
to let Manuel Mora know about her praying.She had no place to pray at home so she was forced to pray
in between the bushes outside her house.Her sister use to join her during her pray time among the bushes.
Though it was difficult,she offered all her sufferings to Jesus for her mother's conversion.Laura used to invite her mother to join her and her sister for prayers but her mother gave her a lot of excuses.Laura's heart grew sad each time her mother rejected prayers but made her will stronger to offer up her life for her mother.

There was once Manuel Mora asked her to dance with him but she refused and hid herself outside in the dark while praying and holding on to her Miraculous Medal of Our Lady for protection because she knew she could not depend on her mother for help so she turn to her Heavenly Mother in Heaven.Manuel Mora could not find her and he was in fury that he lashed his anger on her mother.He whipped Laura's mother
until she was badly bruised for not persuading Laura to dance with him.He took revenge by not paying the tuition fees at school but the nuns heard about the incident and offered to accept Laura and sister for free
but her mother was too embarrassed to accept the charitable offer so she sent only Laura back to school and kept Julia with her at home.

Soon Laura's prayers was slowing being answered that her health started to decrease rapidly.In the year 1903,Laura became ill during the winter.Her mother begged her to come home with her,and the superior
told Laura, "Your mother needs you more than you need her. You must go." Laura was scared to go home because of Manuel Mora but obeyed her superiors advise.

Manuel Mora was excited to see Laura back and weak.He thought it was a good time to get her for his evil needs.Laura knew his evil intention and continued holding on to the Miraculous Medal and praying the Hail Mary's frequently.Manuel Mora tried to catch her but she tried to escape.He was furious that Laura rejected him.Due to that,Laura was beaten unconscious by her mother's lover.He never bother about her being ill.

She was alive for a week,as her mother and the Nuns kept watch over her.Father Crestanello, her confessor, came and heard Laura's confession and gave her absolution. He had questions,but Laura told him that she forgave Manuel Mora and bore him no ill will.Deep down in her heart,she hoped that he would change and find God.

On January 21, Laura and her younger sister were alone. Laura asked her sister Julia Amanda to promise her something and Julia Amanda  wrote down the memory of the words Laura said to her.This was what Laura told her: "Be good to Mama, don't give her trouble; respect her always.Don't ever leave
her, even if later on you will have a family of your own. Don't look down upon the poor, but be kind to them. Love Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin. Pray every day to your Guardian Angel to keep you from sin.Don't forget, Julia, we will be together in Heaven."

After Laura's death at about 6pm in the evening of January 22, 1904, Laura's mother went to the chapel to make her confession.Through all the sacrifices done by Laura her courageous daughter,she finally returned to the practice of the Catholic Faith and thanked Laura each day for her conversion.Laura's mother knew that even after her death,Laura is still praying and looking after her from Heaven.Laura's mother could still feel Laura's love and gentle presence around her.

Soon the story of Little Laura was known,thanks to the help of her Religious brothers and sisters who took
a lot of time in explaining her life story to many.Laura's life story grew and became well known and her name
was soon known in Vatican but Laura could not be considered a martyr, and because of her young age, there was not much hopes for her beatification.It seemed hopeless for sometime but God wanted her to
be known and in 1981, the last requirement was filled out by the congregation and on June 5, 1986, she
was declared Venerable.

Original image of Blessed Laura Vicuna

Process of BEATIFICATION for Laura Vicuna : A miracle attributed to her by the nun Ofelia del Carmen Lobos Arellano. In August 1955, doctors told Sister Ofelia that she would die of lung cancer in
a few months, but she turned in faith to pray,seeking the intercession of Little Laura,the disease disappeared. September 3, 1988 saw Laura's beatification by Pope John Paul II. 
Her feast day is celebrated on January 22.

Laura was beatified by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 1988, on the 100th Anniversary of the death of
St John Bosco, founder of the Salesian Order, for whom Laura was a testimony of these words:
“One can only have happiness in life if one is with peace with God and in His Grace.There is nothing more important in life than being in God’s Grace. And there is nothing more virtuous than bringing those who are living in sin back to His Grace”.

Painting of Blessed Laura Vicuna in Paradise,walking with the Heavenly Virgins.

She is holding a lily given to her by Mother Mary.

When Pope John Paul II beatified Laura on September 3, 1988, he called Blessed Laura the

 "Eucharistic flower of Junin de Los Andes, whose life was 

a poem of purity, sacrifice,

 and filial love."

Quotes of Blessed Laura Vicuna:

• I offer my life for my mother
• I want to do all I can to make God known and loved
• Oh my God,I want to love you and serve you all my life.I give 
• you my soul,my heart,my whole self.

A statue of Laura Vicuna at the Catholic Church

PRAYER TO BLESSED LAURA VICUNA:
O Eucharistic Flower of Jesus,you who follow the words of Jesus,"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends".Teach us to be patient during times of trials and to pray for our friends and family members just like you did.Grant us the grace to keep faithful in constant prayers to Jesus that we may one day see the fruits of our prayers.Blessed Laura,intercede fervently for us and obtain for us a peaceful and trusting heart in Our Lord Jesus Christ.Amen.
Blessed Laura Vicuna whose life was a poem of purity,sacrifice and filial love, pray for us!

Feast of Blessed Devasahayam Pillai

IMPORTANT FACTS:

He was rich and possessed rich wealth in terms of landed properties.He was very friendly with people

and it was during their influential roles under the King of Travancore that Devasahayam Pillai and 

De Lannoy became good friends.De Lannoy’s Catholic Faith interested Devasahayam and De Lannoy enlightened him on the faith,leading to his conversion in 1745. 

For 9 months, Devasahayam travelled to Vadakkankulam and learned the truths of Catholic faith

and visited the community of Christians in the neighbourhood.His God-Father at baptism,

Chithambram Pillai,was with him briefly in Travancore and he also helped him to see Catholic 

communities for himself. This enabled him to get to know the customs and the life of the ordinary

Catholics of those times.It seemed that the baptismal transformation was already in him because he

could not be stopped any more.He wanted to be baptized out of a deep personal conviction.

He once again assured the priest:

“Father, no one compels me to become a Catholic.If I have come to you, 

it is because I have such a strong Faith, that nothing could tear it out of my heart,

 and I am ready to sacrifice for it, all that still remains of my former wealth,

 my position, my family and even my life.”

At baptism he received the name "Devasahayam" which is a Tamil rendering of the biblical name Lazarus,which means "God has helped".After baptism,he made it a habit to go for daily Mass,to receive Holy Communion and went often for Confession.He prayed the Rosary daily which made him draw closer to Mother Mary.His great desire was after baptism was to bring others to the Catholic Faith.His preaching on the Catholic Faith was so strong that his wife who was against his baptism soon was baptized and given the name "Gnanapoo" which meant "Theresa".

He thanked God daily for the grace of his conversion to the Catholic Faith.He read the Catholic books 

and followed the practice of virtues and faith properly and mainly with full of love.He read aloud books
of piety, especially the lives of saints, for the benefit of the bystanders, too. In addition to the fast
prescribed by the church,Blessed Devasahayam fasted on all Fridays and Saturdays in homage to the
dying Christ and to the Mother of God.

Once he was arrested,a priest brought him communion secretly and listen to his confession (during the day). Blessed Devasahayam received it with great love and devotion.He treasured Jesus like a precious pearl
in his heart.He desired to receive this Sacraments often,but it was not possible.Sadly,access to him was difficult for priests but Jesus continued to pour down special graces upon Blessed Devasahayam each
time he had the chance to receive Jesus because when Blessed Devasahayam had the chance to receive,
his heart was wide open to receive the Lord Jesus.

At Puliyoorkurichy :
Blessed Devasahayam was brought to a small place called Puliyoorkurichy where he was placed on
a rock. He was overcome by thirst and asked for water but they gave him sewage water.Being
refused water to drink he prayed to God weeping in deep sadness,and hit the rock with his elbow,
which gave forth water in a miraculous way he could drink.The miraculous rock fountain at
Puliyoorkurichy is a constant reminder of this kind of torture(and God’s grace of miraculous water 
from the rock).  

Preview : The Sound of the Bell Rock

This rock continues even today to give water and even 

now people visit this fountain in large numbers. 

The Bone Relics of Blessed Devasahayam :

Some people believe that the soldiers went up the forested hills and tried to shoot Devasahayam,but 

were unable to fire; after which he took the gun in his hands, blessed it and gave it back to the soldiers 

to shoot him to death, if they wished to. The soldiers took the gun back and fired at him five times.

His body was then carelessly thrown out near the foothills at Kattadimalai.

Venerable:

June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes 

of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues" – a major step towards beatification – and Pillai

was then referred to as "Venerable".

During The Beatification: 

The STATUE of Blessed Devasahayam 

Pillai being blessed with incense by Cardinal Angelo Amato.

Beatification and declaration as a martyr:

Devasahayam Pillai was declared a Martyr and Blessed on 2 December 2012, at a solemn ceremony 

held in the Diocese of Kottar.

PRAYER TO BLESSED DEVASAHAYAM:
O Glorious Martyr,Blessed Devasahayam pray for those hardened sinners who have gone astray and
for those who do not know Christ.May their hearts be soften with thy powerful prayers and grant them
the grace to experience the joy of knowing the love of Jesus and Mary like how thou experienced it
during thy lifetime.Guide poor sinners to the light of Christ and may they be converted to the Catholic
Faith through thy intercession.Amen.
Blessed Devasahayam,Martyr of the Prince of Peace,intercede for poor sinners to be converted to the Catholic Faith!

Feast Day of Saint Andre Bessette of MONTREAL

IMPORTANT FACTS:

Brother Andre was only a porter,a doorman,at a college owned and operated by his religious congregation.

He was not a priest; therefore he could neither offer Mass nor preach.He was a little man, both in size.

His parents were devout Catholics who, by their own example, taught their children the virtuous habits
of prayer and hard work,habits which were to become for little Alfred the key to his ultimate sanctity as Brother Andre. When he was 6 years old,his father was killed in a lumbering accident near the town of Farnham. 4 years later,his mother,trying to raise twelve children single-handedly,contracted tuberculosis
and was forced to put the children up for adoption. Keeping with her only the feeblest one, Alfred,
she went to live with her sister,Mrs. Timothée Nadeau,in St. Cesaire.
Brother Andre did recalled his mother's words to her children and it was:

"My dear little ones,it has been six years since your papa left us to go to Heaven.

The good God is coming to look for me in my turn.

Pray for me.Do not forget the tomb of your father.

My body will repose beside his in the cemetery at Farnham.

From the height of Heaven I will watch over you.”

The words from his devout mother left a great impression on him.Years later,he often spoke of his mother,Brother Andre said: 

“I rarely pray for her,but very often I pray to her.”

Along his life journey,he met Father Provençal who put Brother André on that road which,for him,would 

end in perfection— the road to a religious vocation.He was weak in every work he did and it made

him feel sick but one thing he was not weak in and that was his PERFECTNESS IN PRAYER AND CONSTANT HOLINESS amidst his weakness.

His spare time was spent either in the presbytery of the parish,talking to Father Provençal, or in the

church itself in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, in prayer for hours at a time.During these years 

that he started what was to be his lifelong habit — long, deep conversations with Saint Joseph.

When crowds came to the Oratory for important celebrations,Brother Andre would go into solitude.

He would hide behind the choir and pray quietly.

In the meantime, there was talk of healings which doctors could not explain. Brother Andre began
visiting the sick and earned the reputation of Miracle-Worker.But he strongly protested:
"I am nothing ... only a tool in the hands of Providence, a lowly instrument at the service of
St. Joseph." He went even further: "People are silly to think that I can perform miracles. It is
God and St. Joseph who can heal you, not I."

His devotion to Saint Joseph was so great that he had such a beautiful idea planned by prayers and
that is how the New Oratory of St.Joseph slowly came into progress.Soon the New Oratory of
St.Joseph was being built,and Brother Andre said:

"God chose the most ignorant one.If there was anyone more 

ignorant than I am, God would have chosen him instead of me."

During the big project of building St.Joseph's Oratory,there were some problem with the funds and
was not able to build a proper roof.So the provincial summoned Brother Andre for his opinion.

The aging brother had only a few words for the assembly: 

"This is not my work, it is the work of St. Joseph. 

Put one of his statues in the middle of the building. 

If he wants a roof over his head,

he'll take care of it."

This is the statue of Saint Joseph which until today stays 

bright in the middle of the building.

To live in God's house is heaven, Brother Andre said: "You know, it is permitted to desire death 

if one's unique goal is to go toward God.When I die, I will go to heaven, I will be much closer

to God than I am now; I will have more power to help you."

*Pope John XXIII allowed the cause for “Brother André” to be introduced in Rome

on November 9, 1960.An important step by which Brother André became known 

as a “Servant of God” on the official road to canonization.

*Pope Paul VI declared him “Venerable” on June 12, 1978 after recognizing the

heroicity of the virtues of Brother André was issued.

* Pope John Paul II participated in the solemn rite of beatification on May 23, 

1982 in St. Peter’s Square in Rome,due to Joseph Audino of Rochester,New York 
who had been cured of cancer in 1958 after having invoked Brother André.

* Finally Pope Benedict XVI presented “Saint André Bessette” to the universal 
Church,during a solemn rite of canonization which took place on October 17, 2010, 
in Rome due to the stunning recovery of a child who was involved in a traumatic
street accident in 1999 that attributed to Blessed Brother André because the 
child’s parents as well as friends of the family had addressed their prayers to him, hoping that the impossible might take place.  

This is the relic of Saint Andre Bessette,features a glass vial containing 
a few fragments of his heart.It has already visited several places.

Saint Jospeh's Oratory of Mount Royal was founded by Saint Andre Bessette.

This is the effect of his prayers and complete trust in Saint Jospeh,Foster

Father of Jesus.Though Saint Andre was a not famous in education,he was very

well known for his prayers with St.Joseph to Jesus.

If anyone were to ask any Canadian for the name of the person who built this magnificent 

Church of St.Joseph,he would be told, “Brother André.” Yet this humble little lay brother’s name 

does not appear on any of the official records of the building of the Oratory but I am sure in Heaven 

it is written in Gold Bold fonts in the official records of Heaven that 'Brother Andre built this magnificent church with his trusting prayers to Heaven.'Truly it is because of Brother Andre's 

prayers and strong devotions to Saint Joseph;this church was built. 

       

Quotes of Saint Andre Bessette :

• "Do not seek to have these trials lifted from you.Instead, ask for the grace to bear them well."
• "It is surprising that I am frequently asked for cures, but rarely for humility and the spirit of faith. Yet, they are so important...."
• "God gave us the commandments and it is in observing them that we show whether we love God. Pray that you may obtain a true love of God. God loves us so much. He wants us to love Him."
• "If the soul is sick,one must begin by treating the soul."

PRAYER TO SAINT ANDRE BESSETTE:
O Holy Saint of Montreal,intercede for us with Saint Joseph thy Holy Patron.Guide us in our journey
to Heaven on the narrow road.Grant us the grace to trust like how you did with unwavering faith.May
we by trusting in Jesus and through your intercession;receive graces in abundance from thy place
in Heaven.Amen.
Saint Andre Bessette,Friend of the Loving Saint Joseph,pray for us to Jesus!

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.