CHRIST THE KING By Fr. Yves le Roux, SSPX

CHRIST THE KING
By Fr. Yves le Roux, SSPX ~ http://www.stas.org/publications/letter/2007/November/
November 8, 2007

Dear Friends and Benefactors,

After His Resurrection, Our Lord sent His Apostles on their mission: "Go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." There is no ambiguity in these words: religion cannot be restricted to the purely private domain.

Many think that it is good for the government and the laws to remain neutral regarding religion, allowing it to develop without interference or obstacles from the State. Some even dare to say that such official neutrality is the most desirable status for the Church. But as Leo XIII declared in his encyclical "Longinqua oceani," such an opinion is erroneous.

Even more, it is treason against Our Lord and His kingship. To pretend that Christ should not exercise in civil matters His double rights of Creator and Redeemer amounts to nothing other than the denial of His divine nature and His universal kingship.

In spite of all our claims to independence, man is a dependent being. His life in society is not an accident or a free choice. From the moment of his creation, man is by nature a social being. Life in society is not a question of preference, but a vital necessity for us. Thus, at the same time that God created man, He created society. And society, as all of God's creatures must reader to its Creator the homage that is due to Him. In consequence, civil society - that is, the State - has the grave obligation to seek the true religion, in order to let its citizens adore God through Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the bosom of the Roman Catholic Church. The State, as a moral entity, must render worship to God. It cannot be neutral. No creature can assert its independence regarding the Creator, and if we were to allow it for one creature, what would stop us from claiming it for all creatures? The State is also a creature, and such a claim to independence is truly a blasphemy against God.

Let us briefly consider the dramatic consequences of civil society's neutrality towards God.

A country that claims to be neutral, that does not, as a country, render to God the adoration that it should, destroys its Relationship with its Creator. It is like a man who refuses to adore God. That man is objectively in the state of mortal sin, and thus, none of his actions is pleasing to God, none of them merits eternal life.

The same happens with a society that adopts the Liberal principle of the separation between the State and God. That society is in the state of mortal sin and does not receive the blessings of God. It merits to be justly punished. While a man will receive the full, just punishment for his crimes in the afterlife, societies receive it here on earth. Our Lady in Fatima told the little shepherds that many countries would be wiped out from the face of the earth because they were not giving her divine Son the honor legitimately due to Him.

Moreover, a state's policy of neutrality precludes it from aiding the Church. The Catholic Church, Mother and Teacher of Truth, does not receive from the State the assistance that she has the right to expect to spread her divine teachings. She is treated as an association like any other, or even reduced to the level of a sect or false religion.

This neutrality favors the spread of errors. Errors which came into contact with other errors draw from this contact a new strength to fight against the Truth. And Truth must be protected from any error, because Truth is tainted by such contacts.

This necessary protection of Truth is not a weakness, but rather a sign of its authenticity. Gold loses its purity and value when mixed with base metals. If a healthy man wants to remain healthy, he must protect himself against illness, avoiding any contact with the germs that carry disease. In a similar manner, to survive, Truth must be exempt from any contact with error.

Thus, the indifference of the State in regard to religion is an error – it is a formidable weapon to destroy the Catholic faith and to favor Error in its many guises. What do men become in such a situation? They no longer receive the light of Truth, and thus, they err, walk blindly and get lost. Pius XII was right when he said that the salvation or damnation of many frequently depends on the civil constitution of a country.

It is so because if the country itself is Catholic all its laws would lead man to adore and honor God, to praise and serve Him. In a Catholic country, the observance of the Sunday would give everyone the possibility of adoring God without obstacles. The civil laws would oppose abortion, the depravity of morals and fashions - and the same civil laws would forbid divorce arid favor the unity of families.

The neutrality of the State, that is, the indifference of a nation regarding God and His Christ, is an extremely grave fault, the most serious of all because it is the root of all the others The doctrine that divinizes human liberty, turning man into a kind of god, is called Liberalism. Demanding and imposing the religious neutrality of States, Liberalism leads souls to Hell. The surest way to lead a soul to its damnation is to let it live in a society without God.

There is no more pernicious error than Liberalism. We must reject and hate it, with all our forces, because it leads us and our children on the path to Hell. Let us wake up! We are at war! We do not have the right to let ourselves be corrupted, intellectually and practically, by these frightful liberal errors whose effects we daily see around us. Why do you think that so many souls cannot find the way to the Truth today? Why are there so many crimes? Why so much vulgarity? Why are so many souls damned in spite of their good intentions? Why? Why? Why?

Because Our Lord does not reign. Because man has become as a god. Because we have inherited this monstrous liberal culture that pretends that the State should not kneel before its God.

It is an ignoble crime, an unspeakable sin. We must not accept it, we must not resign ourselves to see God so badly treated by His creatures, we must not remain silent. We must proclaim, loudly and clearly, the kingship o£ Christ over the nations of the earth.

It is exactly because we proclaim this kingship that we meet with so many difficulties. That is the true reason for the sanctions against the SSPX. It was not because he continued saying the Mass in Latin that Archbishop Lefebvre had to struggle against so much opposition and was condemned. No. The hatred against him arose from his strong affirmation of the inalienable rights of Christ to reign over families and countries, as well as over individuals. Archbishop Lefebvre was condemned because he vigorously opposed the Conciliar declaration on religious liberty, by which modernist Rome accepted that Our Lord no longer reigned over societies. He was condemned by those who should have defended and congratulated him! - a sad proof that Roman authorities do the work of the enemies of Our Lord...

What we have said is sadly proven also by the present Roman policy regarding the faithful who want to have the Tridentine Mass. Rome accepts them on condition of their consent not to publicly proclaim the Kingship of Christ. What a misery! Rome, the indefectible custodian of Truth, beacon of intelligences and mistress of hearts, cradle of Christendom, is today eaten away by the terrible evil of Liberalism. Pius IX saw this clearly when he declared to a group of pilgrims that Catholic Liberalism was the most dangerous evil, "a true plague" in his own words. We live in a time of plague.

What should we do?

We must proclaim loudly and clearly the kingship of Christ. We must, as St. Paul teaches, "bring all minds into the service of Christ," beginning with our own. We must learn the doctrine of the Social Kingship of Christ from our priests, in order to be able to oppose its Liberal detractors. Let us not deceive ourselves: we ourselves are also tainted by this Liberal virus, if not in doctrine, then at least on a practical level. The proof is that we usually judge the realities around us from a naturalistic viewpoint - that is, according to criteria of natural goodness - but not according to supernatural Truth. Our first and most pressing duty is to enroll in this crusade, to engage ourselves personally in this battle for the social reign of Our Lord, so that our countries learn to recognize in Our Lord the God to whom they owe homage. Otherwise, vain is our claim to be Catholics. Today Our Lord is disowned, His kingship insulted. Today we hear again the ignoble cry repeated for two millennia: "We do not want Him to reign over us. Crucify Him. "

We want Him to reign over us. We want Him to reign over our institutions. We want Him to reign over our country, because we know, as the great anti-liberal Popes knew, that he who does not hate error is not a faithful servant of Christ and he is unworthy of being called a Christian.

Allow me to quote you a passage from Cardinal Pie, the Doctor of the Social Kingship of Christ: "You think that your conscience is in peace, you think that you are still orthodox because you firmly believe in the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, and that that alone suffices to constitute Christianity... Do not fool yourselves, you are not above reproach in your faith if you are of those who, while offering incense to Jesus, refuse to add gold to their offering, that is, if you refuse to acknowledge and proclaim His social Kingship."

May Our Lady, Queen of our hearts, of our families and countries, grant us the grace of always being faithful witnesses of the Social Kingship of Our Lord, remaining loyally at His side in spite of the misery of the times in which we live. We will be despised and persecuted because of this fidelity. Standing at the foot of the Cross, at the side of Our Good Mother of Heaven, we will not be intimidated by these attacks, because we know that Christ reigns from the Cross and that it is an honor for us to share in His abandonment.

May Our Lady keep us unwaveringly firm in this hope, confident that Our Lord shall reign in spite of His enemies, as He promised to St. Margaret-Mary.

Let us hasten this blessed hour of His reign by our filial devotion to Mary, our Queen, particularly by the daily recitation of the family Rosary.

In Christo sacerdote et Maria,

Fr. Yves le Roux

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT (FOR DAILY LIVING)

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT
(A GUIDE FOR DAILY LIVING)

This Rule of St. Benedict should be followed by all to guide us in our daily lives. Morals are the foundation upon which a country rises to great heights. Take away morals, and countries, leaders, and individuals fall. All should wear or carry this most highly indulgenced and exorcised medal:

-The Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict-

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT (FOR DAILY LIVING):


IT IS WRITTEN: Do all things with counsel, and thy deed shall not bring thee repentance.


In the first place, to love the Lord God with all one's heart, all one's soul and all one's strength.
The one's neighbor as oneself.
Then not to kill. Not to commit adultery. Not to steal.
Not to covet. Not to bear false witness. To honour all men.
Not to do to another what one would not have done to oneself.
To deny oneself, in order to follow Christ.
To chastise the body. Not to seek soft living. To love fasting.
To relieve the poor. To clothe the naked. To visit the sick.
To bury the dead. To help the afflicted.
To console the sorrowing. To avoid worldly conduct.
To prefer nothing to the love of Christ.
Not to yield to anger. Not to nurse a grudge.
Not to hold guile in one's heart.
Not to make a feigned, (false show off), peace. Not to forsake charity.
Not to swear, lest perchance one forswear oneself. (to swear falsely).
To utter truth from heart and mouth. Not to render evil for evil.
To do no wrong to anyone, and bear patiently wrongs done to oneself.
To love one's enemies.
Not to render cursing for cursing, but rather blessing.
To bear persecution for justice sake.
Not to be proud. Not a wine bibber, (habitual drinker).
Not a glutton. Not somnolent, (inclined to sleep).
Not slothful. Not a grumbler.
Not a detractor, (slanderer). To put one's hope in God..
To attribute to God, and not to self, whatever good one sees in oneself. But to recognize always that the evil is one's own doing, and to impute it to oneself.
To fear the day of judgement. To dread Hell.
To keep constant guard over the actions of one's life.
To desire eternal life with all spiritual longing.
To keep death daily before one's eyes.
To know for certain that God sees one everywhere.
When evil thoughts come into one's heart, to dash them at once on the rock of Christ and to manifest them to one's spiritual advisor, (confessor)
To keep one's mouth from evil and depraved talk.
Not to love much speaking.
Not to speak vain words or such as move to laughter.
To listen gladly to holy reading.
To apply oneself frequently to prayer.
Daily in one's prayer, with tears and signs, to confess one's past sins to God. To mend those sins for the future.
Not to fulfill the desires of the flesh. To hate one's will.
To obey in all things the commands of the abbot, even though he himself, (which God forbid), should act otherwise, remembering the Lord's precept: What they say, do ye, but what they do, do ye not.
Not to wise to be called holy before one is holy, but first to be holy, that one may more truly be called so.
To fulfill God's commandments daily in one's deeds.
To love chastity. To hate no man.
Not to be jealous. Not to give way to envy.
Not to love contention, (conflict). To shun vainglory, (boastfulness).
To reverence the old. To love the young.
To pray for one's enemies in the love of Christ.
To make peace with one's adversary before sundown
And never to despair of God's mercy.



Behold these are the tools of the spiritual craft. If we employ them unceasingly day and night, and on the day of judgement render account of them, the we shall receive from the Lord in return that reward which He Himself has promised: Eye has not seen nor ear heard, what God hath prepared for those that love him. Now the workshop, wherein we shall diligently execute all these tasks, is the enclosure of the monastery, (home, office, workplace, etc.) and our spiritual roots in the community.

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THE JUBILEE MEDAL
THE MEDAL CROSS OF ST. BENEDICT

The Medal of St. Benedict is the most highly indulgenced medal in the Catholic Church. When the exorcism blessings are applied by a Benedictine priest, the medal has power over evil: storms, poisons, pestilence, the devil's legions, etc. You must use the medal by calling down the intercession of St. Benedict. (Use by dipping in liquids, placing on/in important machinery, structures, etc.)



On many feast days of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother, the Apostles, and many Saints, it is possible to gain a plenary or a partial indulgence by carrying or wearing the medal; invoking the intercession of St. Benedict; and, praying for the abolishment of heresy.
While blessing the St. Benedict and St. Maurus on the medal. St. Maurus is a great Benedictine Saint.

Pray the Rosary daily! Wear a wool Brown Scapular! Wear a Crucifix & a St. Benedict! Each day while praying ask for all the indulgences that you may or may not know about. Indulgences are numerous and applied to almost every prayer or good work, and may be applied to those in Purgatory.

St. Benedict is called the Father of the Western Monasticism. Through his Rule of Morality there developed the Western, European, Monastic Tradition of Teaching. Teaching in the west was pioneered by Benedictine Monks.

The good moral teachings derived from St. Benedict became the foundation upon which the western countries rose to great moral heights. Let us humbly beg God to help America, our leaders, and ourselves, rise again through the intercession and the Rule of St. Benedict.

Go here to order some St. Benedict Medals and to have them personally blessed by a Benedictine priest: http://www.ourladyofguadalupemonastery.com/

Legion of Mary

Legion of Mary

Do you want to learn more about the Catholic Faith?
Do you want to enrich your prayer life?
Do you want to develop closer Catholic friendships?
Do you want to grow closer to Jesus and His Mother?
Then come as a guest to a Legion of Mary meeting!
There’s no obligation and it may change your life.

Go to your local Traditional Roman Catholic Chapel for meeting schedules and places.

The Legion of Mary is an organization of Catholics ages 13 and older, who strive for the expansion, glory, and exultation of Holy Mother Church.

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OPENING PRAYERS
Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.
O God, Who by the light of the Holy Ghost, didst instruct the hearts of the faith faithful, grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ Our Lord.

V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips.
R. And my tongue shall announce Thy praise.
V. Incline unto my aid, O God.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was in the beginning, etc.

Then follow Five Decades of the Rosary with the Hail! Holy Queen

V. Pray for us, O holy mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
O God, Whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation; grant we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries in the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

V. Most Sacred heart of Jesus R. Have mercy on us.
V. Immaculate Heart of Mary R. Pray for us.
V. St. Joseph R. Pray for us.
V. St. John the Evangelist R. Pray for us.
V. St. Louis Marie de Montfort R. Pray for us.

In the name of the Father, etc. (only during Legion Meetings)

CATENA LEGIONIS

Antiphon. – Who is she that cometh forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the Sun, terrible as an army set in battle array?

My soul + doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He that is mighty hath done great things for me, and holy is His name.
And His mercy is from generation from generations to them that fear Him.
He hath showed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel His servant: being mindful of His mercy.
As He spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed forever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Antiphon. – Who is she that cometh forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the Sun, terrible as an army set in battle array?

V. O Mary conceived without sin.
R. Pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ our Mediator with the Father, Who hast been pleased to appoint the Most Blessed Virgin, Thy Mother, to be our Mother also, and our Mediatrix with Thee, mercifully grant that whosoever comes to Thee seeking Thy favors may rejoice to receive all of them through her. Amen.

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

In the name of the Father, etc. (only during Legion Meetings)

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our prayers in our necessities, but ever deliver us from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

V. Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of all Graces
(or Invocation appropriate to Praesidium) R. Pray for us.
V. Saint Michael and Saint Gabriel R. Pray for us.
V. All ye Heavenly Powers, Mary’s
Legion of Angels R. Pray for us.
V. Saint John the Baptist R. Pray for us.
V. Saints Peter and Paul R. Pray for us.

Confer, O Lord, on us, who serve beneath the standard of Mary, that fullness of faith in Thee and trust in her, to which it is given to conquer the world. Grant us a lively faith, animated by charity, which will enable us to perform all our actions from the motive of pure love of Thee, and ever to see Thee and serve Thee in our neighbor; a faith, firm and immovable as a rock, through which we shall rest tranquil and steadfast amid the crosses, toils, and disappointments of life; a courageous faith which will inspire us to undertake and carry out without hesitation great things for God and for the salvation of souls; a faith which will be our Legion’s Pillar of Fire – to lead us forth united – to enkindle everywhere the fires of Divine Love – to enlighten those who are in the darkness and in the shadow of death – to inflame those who are lukewarm – to bring back life to those who are dead in sin; and which will guide our own feet in the Way of Peace, so that – the battle of life over – our Legion may reassemble, without the lost of any one, in the Kingdom of Thy Love and Glory.
May the souls of our departed Legionaries and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Words of Our Lord and Lady

Words of Our Lord and Lady

It is related in the annals of Clairvaux that St. Bernard once asked our Lord which was His greatest recorded suffering and that our Lord condescended to answer: "I had on My Shoulder, while I bore My Cross on the way of sorrow, a most grievous wound which was more painful to Me than the others and which is not recorded by men because they knew not of it. Honour the Wound with devotion and I will grant thee whatsoever thou dost ask through its virtue and merits; and in regard to all those who shall venerate this Wound, I will remit to them all their venial sins and will no more remember their mortal sins."

3 Paters (Our Fathers) 3 Aves (Hail Marys) 3 Glorias (Glory Bes)

SALUTION OF THE WOUND IN THE SHOULDER OF JESUS

O most loving Jesus, meekest Lamb of God, I, a miserable sinner, salute and worship the most Sacred Wound of Thy Shoulder on which Thou didst bear Thy heavy Cross, which so tore Thy flesh and laid bare Thy bones as to inflict on Thee an anguish greater than any wound of Thy most Blessed Body. I adore Thee, O Jesus most sorrowful. I praise Thee, I bless The and glorify Thee and give Thee thanks for this most sacred and most painful Wound. Beseeching Thee by that exceeding pain, and the crushing burden of Thy heavy Cross, to be merciful to me, a sinner, to forgive me all my mortal and venial sins, and to lead me on towards Heaven along the way of the Cross.

INVOCATIONS

in honor of the Holy Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

May Be Said on the Rosary Beads

On the large beads:

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ to heal the wounds of our souls. (300 days indulgence each time)

On the small beads:

My Jesus, pardon and mercy through the merits of Thy Sacred Wounds. (300 days indulgence each time)

Sister Mary Martha Chambon, a humble lay Sister of the Visitation Order of Chambery, France, who died in the odor of sanctity, March 21st, 1907, received these two invocations from Our Lord Himself, as she affirmed, and with them a double MISSON to adore and invoke the Sacred Wounds unceasingly and to revive this devotion in the hearts of creatures.

We quote the Promises of Jesus to Sister Mary Martha Chambon, in favor of souls:-

"Come to My Wounds with hearts burning with love, and make the aspirations with great fervor that you may obtain the graces and favors you desire. Come to this Wound in My Side; it is the Wound of Love from which issues flames of fire."

"You must pray," said Jesus, "that the knowledge of My Sacred Wounds may spread in the world." As He said these words Sister Mary Martha saw five luminous rays of glory issue from the Wounds of Christ, and envelop the globe.

"With My Wounds and My Divine Heart you can obtain all you ask. My Wounds will cover all your faults. Those who honor them will have true knowledge of Jesus Christ."

"My Holy Wounds sanctify souls and insure their spiritual advancement ... Offer Me your actions untied to My Sacred Wounds, and even the smallest will have an incomprehensible value."

"Offer them often to Me for sinners because I thirst for souls. At each word of the invocation that you utter, I will let a drop of My Blood fall upon the soul of a sinner."

"I will grant all that is asked of Me through the invocation of My Holy Wounds. You must spread the devotion."

"When you are in trouble of suffering, have recourse at once to My Wounds, and the pain will be alleviated."

"This aspiration should often be repeated near the sick: My Jesus, pardon and mercy through the merits of Thy Holy Wounds! This prayer will comfort soul and body. I desire," continued the Savoir, "that Priests should give it often to their penitents in the Holy Tribunal."

"A sinner who will often say the following prayer: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal the wounds of our souls, will obtain the grace of conversion." "The invocation of My Holy Wound will obtain an incessant victory for the Church."

"When you offer My Holy Wounds for sinners you must not forget to do so for the souls in Purgatory, as there are but a few who think of their relief. The Holy Wounds are the treasure of treasures for the souls in Purgatory." "The soul who during life has honored and studied the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and has offered them to the Eternal Father for the souls in Purgatory, will be accompanied at the moment of death by the Holy Virgin and the angels; and Our Lord on the Cross all brilliant in glory will receive her and crown her."

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IMPORTANCE OF THE MORNING OFFERING

Through this morning offering, every act that we perform becomes a sacrifice, because the word sacrifice means to make holy. All that we endure during the day to be good Catholic men and women becomes a penance. All these sacrifices and all these penances when offered through the morning offering, obtain graces for the conversion of sinners, obtain graces to free souls from Purgatory, and give strength to Holy Mother the Church. We must transform our actions and sufferings into prayers by offering to God through the hands of Mary Immaculate.

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MORNING OFFERING

O my Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary I offer Thee all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day. In union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. In reparation for all my sins, for the intentions of our Holy Father the Pope, the poor souls in Purgatory, the conversion of sinners and Russia, and the reign of Thy Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart of Mary throughout the world. Amen.

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FOR THE KINGDOM OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
AND THE IMMACUALTE HEART OF MARY

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ST. BRIDGET PRAYER APOSTOLATE

The most Blessed Virgin Mary, after the Passion and death of Jesus, was unable to live one day without contemplating the sufferings and death of her Beloved Son and Our Lord Jesus Christ. With bitter anguish and tender compassion, the Mother of Sorrows daily reflected upon the Way of the Cross. By her pious example, Christians today are afforded the opportunity to honor the Passion and death of Our Lord, thus keeping company with Our Blessed Lady, through the 15 St. Bridget prayers. Those who wish to promote the prayers will be supporting an apostolate of such vital importance in today's world of sin and strife. Personal involvement in the apostolate produces unequaled rewards, both in this life and in the life to come.

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Our Lady, Light of the Heavenly Way

Daily guide for souls

1. Begin each day with the Morning Offering of Preparation through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, so that all we do and all that we endure may obtain graces for the conversion of sinners.

2. Participate at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, daily if possible, and receive nourichment for your soul in Holy Communion; for strength in these difficult times.

3. Pray the Rosary daily, imploring Mary's protection for yourself and your loved ones. Remember the unfortunate sinner, who may not have any one to pray for him.

4. Wear the garment of Heaven, the scapular; so that you may be a Child of Mary, protected by her heavenly mantle.

5. Pray daily to St. Michael; for he had been given great power by God to put to flight the demons who attach souls.

THE POSITIVE WAY... THE WAY OF LOVE... MARY'S WAY!

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LOVE OF THE CROSS

In the Cross is salvation, in the Cross is life, in the Cross is protection against our enemies, in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness, in the Cross is strength of mind, in the Cross joy of spirit, in the Cross is strength of mind, in the Cross the perfection of holiness. There is no salvation of the soul, nor hope of everlasting life, but in the Cross. Take up therefore thy Cross and follow Jesus, and thou shalt go into everlasting life. He went before, bearing His Cross, and died for thee on the Cross; that thou also might bear they Cross and desire to die on the cross. For if thou be dead with Him, thou shall also in like manner live with Him. And if thou share His punishment, thou shall also share His glory. Behold! in the Cross all does consist, and in our dying, all lieth; for there is no other way unto life, and unto true inward peace, but the way of the holy Cross, and of daily mortification.

Thomas A. Kempis, from
THE IMITATION OF CHRIST.

Sister Josefa Menendez Journeys to Hell

Sister Josefa Menendez Journeys to Hell
Compiled by CFN

(Catholic Family News/ http://www.cfnews.com/ )

Our Lord Jesus Christ appeared often during the years 1921 through 1923 to Sister Josefa Menendez (1890-1923), a coadjutor sister of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Spain.

The story of Christ’s visits to Sister Josefa is gripping and inspiring, unique in the annals of Church history. It is published in the The Way of Divine Love, a book sponsored by the nun’s own religious order, with instructions from Our Lord that its message be broadcast widely. It contains over 500 pages, all of which are devoted to telling mankind Our Lord’s love for us, and His pleading for our love in return. The book also caries the endorsement of Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli, who later became Pope Pius XII.

As we are now in the season of Lent, the life and words of Sister Josefa Menendez cannot but help spur us on to be courageous in our Lenten penances in reparation for our own sins and the sins of others.

Sister Josefa was a victim soul who willingly endured untold sufferings for the salvation of souls. Our Lord sent Sister Josefa into hell so she, too, could testify to the torments of the damned to prepare men for Heaven through the fear of God if “the love of God is not strong enough to gain us salvation.” the following is from Sister Josefa Menendez’ own writing after her return from descents into hell.

Sister Josefa wrote with great reticence on this subject. She did it only to conform to Our Blessed Lord’s wishes, Our Lady having told her on October 25, 1922: “Everything that Jesus allows you to see and to suffer of the torments of hell, is … that you may make it known. So forget yourself entirely, and think only of the glory of the … salvation of souls“.

She repeatedly dwelt on the greatest torment of hell, namely:

“One of these damned souls cried out: ‘This is my torture … that I want to love and cannot; there is nothing left me but hatred and despair. If one of us could so much as make a single act of love … This would no longer be hell … but we cannot, we live on hatred and malevolence’ …” (March 23, 1922)

Another of these unfortunates said: “The greatest of our torments here is that we are not able to love Him. While we hunger for love, we are consumed with desire of it, but it is too late.”

“Some yell because of the burning of their hands. Perhaps they were thieves, for they say: ‘Where is our loot now? … Cursed hands … Why did I want to possess what did not belong to me … and what in any case I could keep only for a few days?’ “

“Others curse their tongues, their eyes … whatever was the occasion of their sin … ‘Now, O body, you are paying the price of the delights you granted yourself … And you did it of your own free will …’ “ (April 2, 1922)

“I saw many worldly people fall into hell, and now words can render their horrible and terrifying cries: ‘Damned for ever … I deceived myself; I am lost … I am here forever’. “

“Today, I saw a vast number of people fall into the fiery pit … they seemed to be worldlings and a demon cried vociferously: ‘The world is ripe for me … I know that the best way to get hold of souls is to rouse their desire for enjoyment … Put me first … Me before the rest … no humility for me! But let me enjoy myself … This sort of thing assures victory to me … and they tumble headlong into hell’.” (October 4, 1922)

“Tonight,” wrote Josefa, “I did not go down into hell, but was transported to a place where all was obscure, but in the center was a red smoldering fire. They had laid me flat and so bound me that I could not make the slightest movement. Around me were seven or eight people; their black bodies were unclothed, and I could see them only by the reflections of the fire. They were seated and were talking together.

“One devil to another said: ‘We’ll have to be very careful not to be found out, for we might easily be discovered’

Another devil answered; ‘Insinuate yourselves by including carelessness in them … but keep in the background, so that you are not found out … by degrees they will become callous, and you will be able to incline them to evil. Tempt these others to ambition, to self-interest, to acquiring wealth without working … Excite some to sensuality and love of pleasure’.”

“Sounds of confusion and blasphemy cease not for an instant. A sickening stench asphyxiates and corrupts everything; it is like the burning of putrefied flesh, mingled with tar and sulfur…a mixture to which nothing on earth can be compared.”

“In the night of 16th March towards ten o’clock”, wrote Josefa, “I became aware, as on the preceding days, of a confusing noise of cries and chains. I rose quickly and dressed, and trembling with fright, knelt down near my bed. The uproar was approaching, and not knowing what to do, I left the dormitory, and went to our Holy Mother’s cell; then I went back to the dormitory. The same terrifying sounds were all round me; then all of a sudden I saw in front of me the devil himself.

“ ‘Tie her feet and bind her hands,’ he cried. Instantly I lost sight of where I was, and felt myself tightly bound and being dragged away. Other voices screamed: ‘No good to bind her feet; it is her heart that you must bind’. ‘It does not belong to me’ came the answer from the devil. Then I was dragged along a very dark and lengthy passage, and on all sides resounded terrible cries.

“On opposite sides of the walls of the narrow corridor were niches out of which poured smoke, though with very little flame, and which emitted an intolerable stench. From these niches came blaspheming voices, uttering impure words. Some cursed their bodies, others their parents … It was a medley of confused screams of rage and despair.

“I was dragged through that kind of corridor which seemed endless. Then I received a punch in the stomach, which doubled me in two, and forced me into one of the niches. I felt as if I were being pressed between two burning planks and pierced through and through with scorching needlepoints. Opposite and beside me souls were blaspheming and cursing me. What caused me most suffering … and to which no torture can be compared, was the anguish of my soul to find myself separated from God …

“It seemed to me that I spent long years in that hell, yet it only lasted six or seven hours …

“I see clearly that all the sufferings on earth are nothing in comparison with the horror of no longer being able to love, for in that place all breathes hatred and thirst to damn other souls.”

Let us thank Our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us these sober warnings, and avail ourselves of sin that could send us to Hell. Our Lord established this great sacrament as a font of mercy for us. Let us also receive often Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist to grow in the life of grace.

Words of Our Lord

Words of Our Lord

1921-
"It is the want of love that wounds me thus, and the contempt of men who run like madman to perdition."


May 1923-
"Whoever loves Me loves the Cross, and whoever loves the Cross loves Me. Only those who love the Cross and embrace it willingly for love of Me, will possess Eternal Life. Whoever generously accepts the Cross walks in true light, follows a straight and sure path, with no danger from steep inclines in which to slide, for there are none there."

ACTS OF LOVE..

" Whenever you kiss My Image, I in turn Kiss you; whenever you press Myimage to your heart, I in turn press you to My heart; whenever you think of Me, I in turn think of you. Indeed you are always in my thoughts, but at these times I think of you with a special love an devotion." ----Our Lord to a chosen soul----

" Everything I say to one of My Children is for all of them... Each soul is My favorite.... If only you knew My love for each one." ----Our Lord to Gabrielle Bossis----

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LOVING GAZE TOWARDS THE CRUCIFIX..

" Whenever anyone sighs toward Me with love in meditating on My Passion, it is as though He gently touched My wounds with a fresh-budding rose, and I wound his heart in return with the arrow of My love. Moreover, if he shedstears of devotion over My Passion, I will accept them as though he had suffered for Me." ----Our Lord to St. Mechtilde-----

__________________________________________

Because Jesus loved us so much, He desired to be loved very much by us; and therefore He did everything that he could, even by suffering for us, in order to conciliate our love, and to show that there was nothing more that He could do to make us love Him: "He endured much weariness", says St. Bernard, "that He might bind man to love Him much."

__________________________________________

From
The Holy Shroud

__________________________________________

The Magnificent Prayers
of Saint Bridget of Sweden

Based on the Passion and Death of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

St. Bridget relates the following: As she had been desirous for a long time to know the number of blows Our Lord received during His Passion, Jesus revealed to her: "I have received 5, 480 blows My Body. If you wish to honor them in some way, say fifteen Our Father prayers and fifteen Hail Mary prayers with the following prayers [which He then taught her] for a whole year. When the year is finished, you will have honored each one of My wounds." To this Our Lord added the promise of signal graces to be received by those who praticed this devotion.

St. Gertrude the Great, St. Mechtilde and St. Catherine of Siena all have revealed that those who meditate on Our Lord's Passion are very dear to Him. St. Francis de Sales says that the Passion should be the ordinary subject of meditation of every Christian. Jesus revealed to St. Albert the Great that He was more pleased if we meditate on His Passion and Death for 15 minutes than if we were to fast on bread and water every Friday for an entire year. And St. Augustine writes "there is no more profitable occuption for the soul than to meditate daily on the Passion of Our Lord."

These beautiful prayers, given to us by St. Bridget of Sweden, are an easy and efficacious means of meditating daily on Our Lord's Passion and Death. May the Faithful embrace this devotion and promote it widely.

You may purchase these wonderful prayers from Tan Books and Publishers, Inc. on the web. There is a link to this prayer book on my Book List. Look for, St. Bridget of Sweden: The Magnificent Prayers.

________________________

"Jesus, Mary, I Love You, Save Souls"

Some Extracts from the book, "JESUS APPEALS TO THE WORLD." Re:-Words spoken by Jesus to Sister M. Consolata, relative to the aspiration-"JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS."


Think, One act of love can determine eternal happiness for a soul. Therefore, be careful never to omit one 'JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS:' Lose no time-every act of love is a soul."
Words of Our Lady: "Only in paradise will you realize the value and the fruitfulness of saving souls. The act of love is especially meritorious as one of reparation."

"One JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS atones for thousands of blasphemies."

"Put together all victuous acts of today that you can perform, and put them beside a day uninterrupted in acts of love - and I will take the love-filled day in performence to anything else you have done of offered Me. "JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS:-Herewith you offer Me everything."

"Remain true to this act of love, and renew it from hour to hour, and I will grant you everything, Consolata."

"Consolata, I will lead you to all heights of love and suffering, but repeat always: JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS: Nothing more."

"I prefer one act of love to all other prayers. "JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS" includes all - the souls in purgatorym as those in the militant Church, the guilty and the innocent, the dying, the godless, etc. Fear not: On the day you die, you will have reached the summit and finished your last act of love that Jesus wished from you, when He called you as a Victim of Love."

Jesus wills to save the world, but the world must return to Jesus. There is only one way-

LOVE

August 17, 1934: "After you have prayed your last 'JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS': I will accept it and through your writings I will make it accessible to millions of souls. Even sinners will take it up, and will follow you in the simple way of trust and love, and will love Me in this way."

"JESUS, MARY, I LOVE YOU, SAVE SOULS" (300 days indulgence)

The Predominant Fault - Good Advice For Teenagers

The Predominant Fault - Good Advice For Teenagers

CHRIST:

My Child, I give strength to those who make an honest effort in fighting against their faults. The harder they try, the more will they advance in virtue. The self-control which I give, is a man’s greatest glory because he approaches closer to My perfection. No two men have the same combination of faults, nor have they the same amount of grace. I give more grace to those who make good use of what they have already received. As you make progress against your main fault, you will find your faults easier to control. Once you are the master of your heart, you will be master of your life. Your intelligence will be guided by MY grace and your will, will follow My wise and holy law. Begin at last! Attack first your most frequent fault. When you fall back into that fault, instead of becoming sad and discouraged, prove your sorrow by beginning again. You will find selfishness at the bottom of every fault. Your feelings will rebel, but you must fix your eyes on Me, and let your will stand firm on My law. Prayer, penance, and My sacraments will help you to see Me near, and will give you the strength to follow My Will.

THINK:

Every man has a predominate fault, that is, an outstanding one, because of which he commits most of the sins in his daily life. Conquering that fault means overcoming many different sins. This fault will not die easily, but a sincere and continued effort will weaken it more and more. Our Lord will not let me fight in vain. He will give me strength to make true progress against this fault. I need only to continue trying doing whatever is necessary to overcome this fault.

PRAY:

Lord, make me wise in using the means which You have provided for my spiritual victory. Let me never become careless or lazy in following the guidance of Your Church, nor in frequently using Your sacraments. The victory of this daily battle will bring me eternal glory in the wonderful life of Heaven. The reward which You have prepared is far greater than my effort can ever deserve of itself. Let me never become tired of fighting for Heaven. Amen.

Taken from “My Daily Bread”
By
Anthony J. Paone, S.J.

An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of religious service when she was startled by an intruder. As she caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables, she yelled, “Stop! Acts 2:38” (turn from your sin…). The burglar stopped dead in his tracks. Then the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, “Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture at you. “Scripture?” replied the burglar. “She said she had an AXE and 2 38s!”



TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR TEEN-AGERS
1. Stop and think before you drink.
2. Don't let your parents down; they brought you up.
3. Be humble enough to obey. You will be giving orders yourself some day.
4. At the first moment turn away from unclean thought - at the first moment.
5. Don't show off driving. If you want to race go to Indianapolis.
6. Choose a date who would make a good mate.
7. Go to church faithfully. The Creator gives you the week; give Him back an hour.
8. Choose your companions carefully. You are what they are.
9. Avoid following the crowd. Be an engine - not a caboose.
10. Or even better - keep the original Ten Commandments.

FORTY STEPS TO EASTER

FORTY STEPS TO EASTER

by

Sister Mary Theresita, S.S.J.

NIHIL OBSTAT

John Kemper, S.V.D.

IMPRIMATUR …

Albert Cardinal Meyer

Archbishop of Chicago

January 15, 1962

“Remember, man, that you are dust and into dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19)



“… unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)



FORTY STEPS TO EASTER



A Practice for Each Day of Lent



Monotonous? Not this time! The steady humming of the air conditioner might irritate the cool-water diver on a day like this, but not Father Martin on a sick call! With gratifying relief he found the gracious (though visibly distressed) lady of the attractive ranch type home waiting at the door. Stepping in, he was momentarily distracted by the disconcerting sensation of suddenly sinking-sinking-sinking with each step into the depths of a newly laid Persian rug.



The candle light flickered as Mrs. Norcot led past the air conditioner, and Father recollected himself. This was a serious business-a sick call to a man near death, dying from cancer at 40. But more disturbing to the young priest was the knowledge of how unrealistically Mr. Norcot had viewed his approaching end. He had made every effort to brush away the thought of death even while it steadily, relentlessly continued to creep nearer and nearer. He had pushed ahead, establishing himself in Meadow Grove suburb, and, judging from the appearance of the place, had succeeded in an extraordinary degree.



"Father," the voice was feeble, but there was a tense challenge in it that startled the priest into complete alertness as he stepped into the sick room.



"Father, what kind of God is it that hasn't given me a chance-taking me at such a time?" and the frail victim tried to prop himself up, to rise in protest. "Like a lion at bay," thought the curate.



His eyes became two black beads as he hissed out between his labored breathing: "I didn't even get to wear out my Persian rugs! I have a closet full of suits I've barely tried on! I have plenty of everything to keep me comfortable for many years to come. Why must I die?" he sobbed rather than asked, sinking exhausted on the pillow.



An alarming attitude in a dying man? Yes, but this attachment to the present life and its goods is not a monopoly of the modern suburbanite. Throughout the nation, throughout the world, throughout the ages men have lost sight of the purpose of life on earth-this pilgrimage to the Shrine of Heaven.



They behave like people so enamored of a railroad station or an airport that they refuse to proceed to the city of their destination, insisting on spending a lifetime in the waiting room.



It sounds fantastic, but conceivable. After all, what we see has more appeal than the invisible; what we experience (especially through the senses) seems to be more a reality than that which we attain in the future; physical comfort is more attractive to our fallen nature than the constant striving for the higher things of the spirit. Consequently, it is necessary for everyone to repeatedly strengthen his spiritual muscles, to concentrate more intensely, to continually renew and increase the Life of Grace-so that the things of this world will remain in their proper perspective.



As an aid in this difficult task, the Church sets aside forty days each year. Lent. During this time all Her Members make a concentrated effort not only to renew their own spiritual vigor but that of the whole Mystical Body. The chief means the Church proposes for the realization of this goal are three: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.



Holy Mass, of course, is the best prayer. The fasting and abstinence from food are prescribed by the Church Law, though any "giving up" may be called "fasting". Almsgiving includes the sharing of money, as well as other material goods or services that require time and effort. Under that last group we might mention: compassion, sympathy, kindness, understanding, forgiveness, silence, and the practice of other social virtues which express the love we have for Christ in our neighbor.



Practices of this kind during Lent provide an opportunity to reappraise our goal and direct our course.



With this in mind the following forty steps have been prepared to provide a practice and a prayer for each day of Lent. Hence each consists of three parts: 1) a thought worth pondering on during the day, selected from the Liturgy of the day's Mass; 2) a resolution or practice flowing from this thought; and 3) a related prayer which can serve as a reminder of both, thought and resolution, if repeated frequently during the day.



The "giving up" type of practices are not frequent in this list. Rather positive action is stressed. Sundays, for this reason, while excluded from the forty days of fast by the Church, are included here for generous souls.





1. Ash Wednesday

Thought – “Remember, man, that you are dust and into dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19; said by the priest while placing ashes on the head of each person.)

Practice – I shall take no offense, but treat kindly, anyone who today does anything to me which ordinarily hurts my feelings, for I am dust and deserve no better treatment.

Prayer – Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine. (500 days indulgence each time)



2. Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Thought – “Cast your care upon the Lord, and He will support you.” (Introit) (“your care” – your fasting, mortification, or other practice; “His support” – the heavenly Bread.)

Practice – If possible I shall receive Holy Communion today, and during the day make many Spiritual Communions.

Prayer – Suggested formula for a Spiritual Communion: “My Jesus, I believe that You are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. I trust You; I love You with all my heart. I wish I could receive You in Holy Communion now, but You know that I can’t, so come to me at least spiritually … I believe that You have come to me. Stay with me and help me to remember that You are in me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Amen.” (3years indulgence for each one)



3. Friday after Ash Wednesday

Thought – “ … do not let you left hand know what your right hand is doing…” (Gospel)

Practice – I shall do three secret acts of charity today, especially such that require my time.

Prayer – Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, furnace of divine charity, give peace to the world. (300 days indulgence each time)



4. Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Thought – “If you will cease to … speak that which profits not, … your light will rise up in the darkness (inspirations pouring into the soul); … you shall be like a watered garden (bearing much fruit in the form of good form of good works); you shall lay foundations for coming generations” by strengthening the Mystical Body. (Epistle)

Practice – I shall make at least three acts of silence today, not speaking when my words are unnecessary, even if I feel like talking.

Prayer – O God, come to my assistance: O Lord, make haste to help me. (500 days indulgence each time)



◄ First Sunday of Lent (“The Easter Time” begins, for fulfilling Easter Duty)

Thought – “Let us conduct ourselves in all circumstances as God’s ministers, in much patience …” (Epistle)

Practice – I shall try to be very patient today, especially with those who usually get on my nerves. If I slip, I shall apologize at once.

Prayer – O God, Thou art all-powerful. Make me a saint. (500 days indulgence each time)



5. Monday of the First Week of Lent

Thought – “Whatsoever you have done unto the least of My brethren, you have done it unto Me.” (Gospel)

Practice – Today I shall do an act of charity for a poor or suffering person, even if I have to go out of my way to do it.

Prayer – My God, make us to be of one mind in the truth and of one heart in charity. (300 days indulgence each time)



6. Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Thought – “Seek the Lord while He can be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked give up his way and the unjust man his evil desires. Let him return to the Lord! Our God will have mercy on him, for He is very ready to forgive. (Epistle)

Practice – I shall try to arouse sorrow for my sins many times today by saying the act of contrition either in my own words or according to the formula, thoughtfully and sincerely.

Prayer – O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. (500 days indulgence each time)



7. Wednesday of the First Week in Lent–Ember Wednesday

Thought – “He arose and ate and drank, and walked in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights” (Epistle)

Practice – I will not complain today because I am hungry or because I don’t like some food I am expected to eat. I will think of the Will of God as my food, with which I am always satisfied.

Prayer – Teach me, O Lord, to do Thy will, for Thou are my God. (500 days indulgence each time)



8. Thursday of the First Week in Lent

Thought – “The soul that sins, that one shall die; but if a man be just, … and keep My commandments, he shall surely live.” (Epistle)

Practice – Today I shall avoid the occasions of sin-those people, places, things (TV, magazines, movies) which most frequently tempt me to sin.

Prayer – O Lord, throughout this day, keep us free from sin. (500 days indulgence each time)



9. Friday of the First Week of Lent–Ember Friday

Thought – “ … when the just man turns away from his justice and commits sins, he shall die in them; when the wicked turns away from his sins, and does penance and corrects his evil ways, he shall live forever.” (Epistle)

Practice – Every time that I shall find myself either speaking or thinking of other people’s faults, I shall make an act of contrition for my own.

Prayer – O Lord, remember not our former iniquities, and be merciful to our sins for Thy Names sake. (500 days indulgence each time)



10. Saturday of the First Week of Lent-Ember Saturday

Thought – “Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks.” (Epistle)

Practice – Besides saying, “Thank you,” or “God bless you,” I shall also offer a prayer for everyone who shows me any kindness today.

Prayer – My God, I give You thanks for what You give and for what You take away; Thy will be done. (300 days indulgence each time)



◄ Second Sunday of Lent

Thought – “But lifting up their eyes they saw no one, but only Jesus.” (Gospel)

Practice – Today I shall try to see Jesus in every person–even in those who may be some way unkind, because in them Jesus is present but is not allowed to act because their free will refuses to give Him this freedom.

Prayer – Lord, increase our faith. (500 days indulgence each time)



11. Monday of the Second Week of Lent

Thought – “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He.” (Gospel)

Practice – I shall accept all my sufferings today (my crosses) –great and small–without complaint and unite them with the sufferings of Jesus on the cross (lifted up), that thus I may share in the redeeming of the world with Him.

Prayer – All for Thee, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. (300 days indulgence each time)



12. Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

Thought – “One is your Father Who is in heaven; one is your Teacher, Christ; and all your are brothers.” (Gospel)

Practice – I shall say something good today about the two people in the world that give me most trouble.

Prayer – Sweet Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and on our erring brethren. (300 days indulgence each time)



13. Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

Thought – “Whoever wishes to be the greatest among you shall be your servant, even as the Son of Man has come not to be served but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.” (Gospel)

Practice – Today I shall do five little services for others without attracting attention.

Prayer – Sacred Heart of Jesus, may you be known, loved, and imitated. (300 days indulgence each time)



14. Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

Thought – Shrouds have no pockets and bankbooks are not buried with the dead, just as Dives left behind his table laden with good food. (Gospel)

Practice – Today I shall give away something I care for, to someone who needs it more than I do.

Prayer – My God and my All! (300 days indulgence each time)



15. Friday of the Second Week of Lent

Thought – “O Lord, deliver me from lying lip, from treacherous tongue.” (Gradual)

Practice – I shall be careful not to speak an untruth today, and say, “God bless ‘em,” when I feel envy toward anyone.

Prayer – By the sign of the Holy Cross, deliver us from our enemies, O our God. (3 years indulgence each time)



16. Saturday of the Second Week of Lent

Thought – “And he rose and went to his father and said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to the servants, ‘Fetch the best robe quickly and put it on him … and let us eat and make merry, because this, my son, was lost and is found.” (Gospel)

Practice – I shall make a good confession today, preparing myself for it throughout the day until the afternoon or evening by making acts of sorrow, resolution, and trust in God, my merciful Father.

Prayer – I am sorry for my sins. Grant, O God, that I may amend. I give myself wholly to Thee; for Thee I am ready to live and die. (3 years indulgence each time)



◄ Third Sunday of Lent

Thought – “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.” (Gospel) There is no such thing as a “broadminded neutrality” in living as a true Christian.

Practice – I shall spend at least fifteen minutes today reading either the Catechism or a Religion book or the question-and-answer section of a Catholic newspaper or magazine to learn the Catholic position on topics of present-day interest so that I won’t have to be afraid to speak up during a discussion of the subjects.

Prayer – Christ Jesus, be Thou my Helper and my Redeemer. (300 days indulgence each time)



17. Monday of the Third Week of Lent Thought – “ ‘No prophet is acceptable in his own country,’ … and they arose and put Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill … that they might throw Him down headlong.” (Gospel) Practice – I shall say something nice today either to or about every member of my family, and be especially kind to those I work with. Prayer – Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families. (300 days indulgence each time)



18. Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent Thought – “How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” asked Peter. Jesus answered, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” (that is, without limit) Practice – Today I shall cancel ALL grudges, including those which are hanging over from a distant past. Prayer – Our Father … forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.



19. Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent Thought – “What goes into the mouth does not defile (make unclean) a man, but that which comes out of the mouth–evil thoughts, lies, blasphemes, slanders, cursing, swearing–these make a man unclean; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” (Gospel) Practice – Today I will check on myself: have I disliked people because they are untidy (dirty or sloppy), and liked the “slick” and well-dressed (with a convertible) although they may in reality be “clean” cheats? Or maybe I’m one myself–paying more attention to me external appearance than to the condition of my soul. Prayer – Grant, O blessed Joseph, that, ever secure under thy protection, we may pass our lives without guilt. (300 days indulgence each time)



20. Thursday of the Third Week of Lent Thought – “Now when the sun was setting, all who had persons sick with various diseases brought them to Him, and He laid His hands upon each one of them and cured them, and devils also came forth from many … ” (Gospel) Practice – Today I shall give personal attention to anyone in need whom I can help, instead of leaving it to someone else, or “getting rid” of him as fast as I can. Prayer – Be pleased, O God, to recue me; O Lord, make haste to help me! (500 days indulgence each time)



21. Friday of the Third Week of Lent Thought – “The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, give me this water that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.’ ” (Gospel) Practice – Today I shall not drink anything between meals, not even water, and offer it to obtain strength for some person I know who gets drunk often or occasionally, thus losing the “Living Water” of sanctifying grace by committing sin. Prayer – Heart of Jesus, grant that I may love Thee and cause Thee to be loved. (300 days indulgence each time)



22. Saturday of the Third Week of Lent Thought – “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” (Gospel) Practice – I will not judge anybody today. If a fault is very obvious, I shall at least try to excuse the intention of plead ignorance on the part of the offender. Prayer – Divine heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, set free the holy souls in purgatory. (300 days indulgence each time)



◄ Fourth Sunday of Lent –Laetare Thought – “Gather up the fragments that are left over, lest they be wasted.” (Gospel) Practice – I will be careful not to waste anything today, especially food and time. Prayer – Abide with me, Lord, be Thou my true joy. (300 days indulgence each time)



23. Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent Thought – “Take these things away and do not make the house of My Father a house of business.” (Gospel) Practice – Today when I pray I shall put aside all worries and trust in God so that my mind won’t be cluttered up with all kinds of distractions, as the temple was desecrated by the presence of all kinds of things, for my soul is also the Temple of God. Prayer – Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in Thee! (300 days indulgence each time)



24. Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Thought – “They wanted, therefore, to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him because His hour had not yet come.” (Gospel)
Practice – I shall do what I think is right every moment of the day without thinking of what others will say about me or what they might do to me because of it.
Prayer – O Cross, my only hope, I salute thee. (500 days indulgence each time)



25. Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Thought – “I went and washed and I see.” (Gospel) Practice – Today every time I make a slip and hurt somebody, I shall immediately apologize, so that I will be able to face the truth about myself even when it hurts–see myself as others see me. Prayer – Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. (500 days indulgence each time)



26. Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent Thought – Jesus said to the mother, “Weep not.” (Gospel) Practice – Today I shall cheer up at least three people who are sad or disappointed Prayer – Mother of love, of sorrow, and of mercy, pray for us. (300 days indulgence each time)



27. Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Thought – “Let us also go that we may die with Him.” (Gospel) Practice – I will offer at least five mortifications today (like not watching TV or smoking or eating what I like) in union with the sufferings of Jesus, so that my selfishness may die and my love grow. Prayer – Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me. (300 days indulgence each time)



28. Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Thought – “Can a woman forget her infant, so as not to have pity on the son of her womb? And even if she should forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Epistle) Practice – When anything goes wrong today, instead of worrying or grumbling about it, I shall at once trustfully ask God for help. Prayer – Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me. (300 days indulgence each time)



◄ Passion Sunday Thought – “They took up stones to cast at Him, but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple.” (Gospel) Practice – I will not quarrel or justify myself today when I am accused of anything, even if I am in the right, but quietly step aside as Jesus did. Prayer – Deliver me from my enemies, O God. (500 days indulgence each time)



29. Monday in Passion Week Thought – “And God saw their works, that they had turned from their evil way; and the Lord our God had mercy upon His people.” (Epistle) Practice – Today I shall go out of my way to speak to at least two people whom I usually avoid for some reason, and offer this as a penance for my sins. Prayer – Jesus, for love of Thee, with Thee, and for Thee. (300 days indulgence each time)



30. Tuesday in Passion Week

Thought – “And Habacuc cried, saying, ‘O Daniel, servant of God, take the dinner that God has sent you.’ Daniel said, ‘You have remembered me, O God, and You have not forsaken those who love You.’ And Daniel rose and ate.” (Epistle)

Practice – Today I shall give either food or clothing (or whatever I can) to someone in need.

Prayer – Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things. (300 days indulgence each time)



31. Wednesday in Passion Week

Thought – “Keep My laws, for I am your God.” (Epistle)

Practice – Today I shall accurately observe all rules laid down by those over me even if I don’t like them, remembering that all authority comes from God.

Prayer – We pray Thee, come to the aid of Thy servants, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood. (300 days indulgence each time)



32. Thursday in Passion Week

Thought – “I say to you, her sins, many as they are, are forgiven her, because she has loved much. But he to whom less is forgiven loves less.” (Gospel)

Practice – I shall show my love for God today by being very courteous to my neighbor– everyone I contact today–as Magdalen showed her love by washing Jesus’ feet.

Prayer – O my God, I love Thee with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art the Infinite Good; and I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. (3 years indulgence each time)



33. Friday in Passion Week–Commemoration of the Sorrowful Mother

Thought – “Happy the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which without dying, earned the palm of martyrdom beneath the cross of Our Lord.” (Communion Verse)

Practice – Today in honor of the Mother of God, I shall be very kind to all the mothers I meet or work with.

Prayer – Holy Mother, pierce me through; in my heart each wound renew of my Savior crucified. (500 days indulgence each time)



34. Saturday in Passion Week

Thought – “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” (Gospel)

Practice – Today whenever I begin a new piece of work or move from one place to another, I shall recall that all things pass away, and I shall look forward to seeing Jesus Who is waiting for me at the “end of the road.”

Prayer – Remain with me, O Lord; be Thou my true joy. (300 days indulgence each time)



◄ Palm Sunday

Thought – “The multitude goes forth to meet the Redeemer with flowers and palms, and pays the homage due to a triumphant Conqueror; the Gentiles proclaim the Son of God; and their voices thunder through the skies in praise of Christ: Hosanna!” (First Antiphon during the Procession of Palms)

Practice – I shall go to church today for the Mass at which the palms are blest and bring one home and place it behind a crucifix or sacred picture on the wall.

Prayer – Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. (500 days indulgence if said after the Consecration in the Mass)



35. Monday in Holy Week

Thought – Judas Iscariot, who was about to betray Him, said, “Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?” Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief. (Gospel)

Practice – Today I will not criticize others’ actions, even if I think I know better ways of doing the same things.

Prayer – Heart of Jesus, I love Thee. Convert all poor blasphemers. (300 days indulgence each time)



36. Tuesday in Holy Week

Thought – At that moment a cock crowed a second time, and Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny Me three times,” and he began to weep. (Passion according to St. Mark, read in today’s Mass)

Practice – Today I shall often remember by sins with sorrow, because in committing them I acted like Peter, as if I didn’t know Jesus.

Prayer – O Jesus, hide me within Thy wounds. (300 days indulgence each time)



37. Wednesday in Holy Week

Thought – Judas, one of the Twelve, was going before them (the crowd), and he drew near Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, “Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Passion according to St. Luke)

Practice – Today I shall not pretend nor be a hypocrite, but be sincere and truthful.

Prayer – Sacred Heart of Jesus, I give myself to You through Mary. (300 days indulgence each time)



38. Holy Thursday

Thought – “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you,” says the Lord. (First Antiphon during the washing of the feet)

Practice – I shall receive Holy Communion at the evening Mass, and in preparation, I shall be charitable in thought, word, and act all day, trying not to hurt anybody, and forgiving everybody readily.

Prayer – O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament Divine; all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine. (300 days indulgence each time)



39. Good Friday

Thought – “And bowing His head, He gave up His Spirit.” (Passion according to St. John)

Practice – I shall keep perfect silence today from 12 o’clock at noon to 3:00P.M., thinking as much as possible about the dreadful, yet glorious, sufferings of Jesus which redeemed me.

Prayer – We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. (3 years indulgence each time)



40. Holy Saturday

Thought – “This is the night in which, destroying the chains of death, Christ arose victorious from the grave.” (Paschal Proclamation)

Practice – I shall be very helpful to everyone today, without complaining how much there is to do, with the intention that I am preparing everything for Jesus Who will rise tonight.

Prayer – Come, Lord, and tarry not. (500 days indulgence each time)



◄ Check up

1. Am I richer in God’s Life–a better person–than I was at the beginning of Lent?

2. How successful was I in following Jesus through the forty steps? (Suggestion: Print and save this guide and try to do as well or better next year.)

3. Have I succeeded in becoming aware that Heaven is my Goal and the material things of this world only the means for reaching it? In the Offertory of my Easter Mass I shall offer all my practices and prayers of the 40 days of Lent to the Risen Savior.

Our Lady of the Snow

Our Lady of the Snow - August 5th

In the city of Rome there lived a holy nobleman named John. He and his good wife Mary were very devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since they had no children, they asked Our Lady in fervent prayer to let them know what good deeds they should perform with their great fortune. The Blessed Mother answered their prayer in a marvelous way.

On August 5th, when it is very hot in Rome, they both dreamed that she told them to build a church in her honor on the spot they would find covered with snow! John told Pope Liberius about this dream, and to his surprise, he learned that the Holy Father had had the very same dream! Pope Liberius went to the spot on the Esquiline Hill where the snow lay, and traced out a plan for the new church, which became the most famous church of Mary in all the world.

This church has been called the Liberian Basilica (after the Pope), and St. Mary of the Snow, because of the miracle. After a relic of the crib in which Jesus was born was brought to this church, it was called St. Mary of the Crib, too. Today, we call it St. Mary Major, to show that it is the major church of Our Lady.

Many great Saints, such as St. Stanislaus Kostka and St. Aloysius, loved to pray in the Church of St. Mary Major. One of the oldest pictures of Our Lady is venerated there. This picture, which people say was painted by St. Luke, was carried from the church in procession by the Pope when a terrible sickness was killing the people of Rome. Everyone begged Mary to stop this plague and their prayers were answered.

Another time, with this picture from the Church of St. Mary Major, the Pope blessed homes that were on fire, and the fire stopped by a miracle. These are just a few of the many wonderful graces the Blessed Mother had granted to those who turn to her with faith and love.

Let us purify our souls well with the Sacrament of Confession. Only in this way can we hope to receive all the graces from our Blessed Mother.

St. Dominic

St. Dominic - Patron of Astronomers - August 4th

This famous founder of the Dominican Order was a Spaniard and the son of Blessed Joan of Aza. Her first two sons were already grown up when she asked Our Lord to send her another son. In a vision she received the happy news that the next son to be born to her would be a shinning light in the Church. That was Dominic.

The little boy left his mother when he was seven to begin school with his uncle, a priest. After years of study he became a priest himself and lived a quiet life of prayer and obedience with other virtuous priests. But God had other plans for Dominic: he was meant to found the Dominican Order of Preachers to preach the Faith and wipe out false teachings. It all began on a trip through southern France, where heresy called Albigensianism was doing great harm. St. Dominic felt such pity for the people who had joined it that he felt such pity for the people who had joined it that he felt inspired to help them.

St. Dominic’s Order of Preachers conquered that dangerous heresy with the weapons the Saint gave them: prayer, especially the holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin, humility, mortification and preaching. Once when someone asked Dominic what book he used to prepare his sermons, which converted so many people, the Saint said, “The only book I use is the book of love.” He always prayed that he might be filled with a true love of neighbor and he urged his priests to be devoted to the study of the Bible and to prayer. No one did more than St. Dominic and his preachers to spread the beautiful practice of saying the Holy Rosary.

St. Dominic was a brilliant preacher, while St. Francis of Assisi was a humble beggar. Yet, they were close friends and with their two Orders of Dominicans and Franciscans, they made Christians everywhere holier. Once, in a vision, St. Dominic saw Our Blessed Mother praying to save the sinful world from being punished. She pointed two figures out to her Son; one St. Dominic recognized as himself. The other was St. Francis, but at that time, the two Saints did not know each other. Next day, in church, he saw a ragged beggar whom he recognized as the man in the vision. It was St. Francis. Dominic embraced him and said: “you are my companion, and must walk with me. For If we stay together, no power on earth will be able to resist us!”

We, too, will win all our difficulties with the Holy Rosary.