.
1) When you enter or leave Church, do you genuflect (a) to the person you are standing next to (b) to the pew you are entering or leaving (c) to the Holy Water font (d) to our Eucharistic Lord in the Tabernacle?
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2) When you genuflect, what are you looking at (a) the nearest exit (b) the person you are talking to (c) the car keys in your hand (d) The Tabernacle where The King of the Universe dwells?
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3) When you genuflect does you knee (a) remain straight (b) flex about 1" (c) point away from the tabernacle (d) point towards the Tabernacle and touch the floor for at least 1 second?
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4) If you do not genuflect towards the Blessed Sacrament, what is the reason (a) you don't want to "hold up the line" (b) you don't want to dirty your slacks or skirt (c) you want to reach the pew or exit before everyone else (d) you are physically unable to (but you bow your head reverently - if possible)?
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
HISTORY OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
*
It all began at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday...
*
1st Century: Evangelists and St. Paul made it plain to the apostolic Church that the Eucharistic Elements were literally Jesus Christ continuing His saving mission among men (according to "the tradition which I handed on to you that came to me from "The Lord Himself""(1 Cor. II: 23-26)). Ignatius of Antioch warned people to not be taken in by the Gnostics who denied the Real Presence and thus abstained from The Eucharist.
*
2nd Century: The Rite of Fermentum was practiced. This was when a Particle of Communion (sometimes dipped in The Precious Blood) was transported from the Pope or from the Bishop of one Diocese to the Bishop of another, to be consumed at his next Mass as a token of unity of faith between the two churches.
*
3rd Century: Hermits reserved the Eucharist in their cells so that they could give themselves Communion and pay their homage to The Eucharistic Lord. Monks carried the Eucharist on them either in a small receptacle called a Chrismal, or in a bag (Perula) around their neck.
*
4th Century: The Council of Nicea in 325 declared that the Eucharist could be reserved in Churches and Monasteries. St. Basil used to put 1/3 of The Eucharistic Bread in a golden dome suspended over the altar.
*
9th Century: The Eucharist was kept within the monastic church near the altar in a pyx. In Milan, the "Oblationaires" of St. Ambrose, were pioneers of public Eucharistic devotion outside the Mass. These were a group of 10 poor men and 10 poor women who, on feast days, would bring the people's oblation of bread and wine to the altar at the offertory of an Ambrosian-Rite Mass.
*
11th Century: Pope Gregory's teaching on the Real Presence began a Eucharistic Renaissance. Processions of the Blessed Sacrament were instituted; prescribed acts of Adoration were legislated; visits to Christ in the pyx were encouraged; the cells of anchoresses had windows made into the church to allow the religious to view and adore before the Tabernacle.
*
13th Century: Pope Urban IV instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi (8/11/1264) and commissioned Thomas Aquinas to compose the Liturgy of the Hours. St. Thomas also composed the hymns "O Salutaris Hostia", "Tantum Ergo Sacramentum", and "Panis Angelicus". After his victory over the Albigenses, King Louis VII asked the Bishop of Avignon to have the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The throng of adorers was so great that the Bishop decided to have Adoration continue day and night. It continued uninterrupted for 5 centuries (!) until 1792 (the time of the French Revolution). Perpetual Adoration resumed in 1829. St. Anthony (the hammer of heretics) helped to spread Eucharistic fervor by his preaching.
*
14th Century: Clement VI asked the Armenians (who wanted financial assistance) to accept the statement that "after the words of Consecration there is present numerically the same (idem numero) Body of Christ as was born of the Virgin and was immolated on the cross." St. Catherine of Siena showed great devotion to The Eucharist in her dictated "Letters" and "Dialogue". To satisfy her longing for the Lord, the Pope allowed her a portable altar, and a Priest to sustain her ,and her "happy companions", with The Eucharist. At Munich, a nobleman bequeathed a sum of money for the construction of a Tabernacle "where The Blessed Sacrament will be perpetually exposed".
*
15th Century: Pope Martin V and the General Council of Constance declared as an article of faith that "the entire Body and Blood of Christ are truly contained both under the species of bread and under the species of wine". This was in response to the 'Calixtines' who claimed that the whole Christ is not received unless Communion is received under both forms.
*
16th Century: The Council of Trent stated that - "The only-begotten Son of God is to be adored in The Holy Sacrament of The Eucharist with the worship of (Latria), including external worship. The Sacrament, therefore, is to be honored with extraordinary festive celebrations (and) solemnly carried from place to place in processions according to the praiseworthy universal rites and customs of the Holy Church. The Sacrament is to be publically exposed for the peoples adoration.". Pope Clement VII issued a historic document on what was called in Italian "Quarant Ore" (Forty Hours) - with such an arrangement of churches and times that, at every hour of the day and night, the incense of prayer shall ascend without intermission before the face of The Lord.
*
17th Century: The Benedictines of the Perpetual Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament took a vow of Perpetual Adoration.
*
18th Century: Clement XIII, published a detailed set of instructions for the proper carrying out of the Forty-Hours devotion: The Blessed Sacrament is always exposed on the high Altar, except in patriarchal Basilicas; Statues, relics and pictures around the Altar of Exposition are to be removed or veiled; Only Clerics in surplices may take care of the Altar of Exposition; There must be continuous relays of worshippers before The Blessed Sacrament and should include a Priest or Cleric in major orders; No Masses are to be said at the Altar of Exposition.
*
19th Century: The "Congregation of The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and of Perpetual Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament of The Altar", was established to honor and imitate the four states of Christ's life. The "Pious Union of The Adorers of The Most Blessed Sacrament" (a mens nocturnal adoration society) was begun in Rome. The "Archconfraternity of Perpetual Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament and the Work of Needy Churches" was established in Brussels. Herman Cohen (a Jewish convert Carmelite) founded a similar society in parishes. Also, Filippo Smaldone (recently beatified) founded the "Eucharistic League of Priest Adorers" and "Women Adorers". St. Peter J. Eymard began the "People's Eucharistic League" so that laymen might share the Eucharistic spirit and the work of the Religious Congregation he founded. The "Sister Adorers of The Precious Blood" were established in Canada. The "Congregation of Perpetual Adores" came into being. The first International Eucharistic Congress was held at Lille in 1881. At the fifth Congress at Toulouse in 1886, over fifteen-hundred bishops and priests, and thirty-thousand of the laity participated.
*
20th Century: The "Sisters of the Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament" (Adoration Sisters) of the "Malabar Rite" were founded in India. St. John Neuman, the great missionary of Western New York, is to be credited with the introduction of the "Forty Hours of Eucharistic Adoration and Reparation" in the USA. Pope Benedict XV issued the 1st Code of Canon Law which legislated the Reservation of The Blessed Sacrament "in every parish or quasi-parish church.". Pius XI associated the worship of Christ in The Blessed Sacrament with expiation for sin. St. Margaret Mary was canonized. The 2nd Vatican Council further promoted Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament and the Real Presence. The Angel at Fatima and the Blessed Mother taught us to adore the Blessed Sacrament and make reparation for our sins. Pope John Paul II promotes The Eucharist in his many Encyclicals and sermons. "20(+) Hours of Adoration in Reparation for 20(+) Years of Abortion" is begun in Western New York by the Eucharistic Adoration Society. Fr. Frank Pavone promotes this Adoration in his Priests for Life Newsletter.
(Adapted from the "History Notes" a Fr. S. Casarotto - a Scalabrinian Missionary and Pastor of St. Anthony's Church, Buffalo, NY.) and from "HISTOREA.TXT" downloaded from EWTN.
,
It all began at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday...
*
1st Century: Evangelists and St. Paul made it plain to the apostolic Church that the Eucharistic Elements were literally Jesus Christ continuing His saving mission among men (according to "the tradition which I handed on to you that came to me from "The Lord Himself""(1 Cor. II: 23-26)). Ignatius of Antioch warned people to not be taken in by the Gnostics who denied the Real Presence and thus abstained from The Eucharist.
*
2nd Century: The Rite of Fermentum was practiced. This was when a Particle of Communion (sometimes dipped in The Precious Blood) was transported from the Pope or from the Bishop of one Diocese to the Bishop of another, to be consumed at his next Mass as a token of unity of faith between the two churches.
*
3rd Century: Hermits reserved the Eucharist in their cells so that they could give themselves Communion and pay their homage to The Eucharistic Lord. Monks carried the Eucharist on them either in a small receptacle called a Chrismal, or in a bag (Perula) around their neck.
*
4th Century: The Council of Nicea in 325 declared that the Eucharist could be reserved in Churches and Monasteries. St. Basil used to put 1/3 of The Eucharistic Bread in a golden dome suspended over the altar.
*
9th Century: The Eucharist was kept within the monastic church near the altar in a pyx. In Milan, the "Oblationaires" of St. Ambrose, were pioneers of public Eucharistic devotion outside the Mass. These were a group of 10 poor men and 10 poor women who, on feast days, would bring the people's oblation of bread and wine to the altar at the offertory of an Ambrosian-Rite Mass.
*
11th Century: Pope Gregory's teaching on the Real Presence began a Eucharistic Renaissance. Processions of the Blessed Sacrament were instituted; prescribed acts of Adoration were legislated; visits to Christ in the pyx were encouraged; the cells of anchoresses had windows made into the church to allow the religious to view and adore before the Tabernacle.
*
13th Century: Pope Urban IV instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi (8/11/1264) and commissioned Thomas Aquinas to compose the Liturgy of the Hours. St. Thomas also composed the hymns "O Salutaris Hostia", "Tantum Ergo Sacramentum", and "Panis Angelicus". After his victory over the Albigenses, King Louis VII asked the Bishop of Avignon to have the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The throng of adorers was so great that the Bishop decided to have Adoration continue day and night. It continued uninterrupted for 5 centuries (!) until 1792 (the time of the French Revolution). Perpetual Adoration resumed in 1829. St. Anthony (the hammer of heretics) helped to spread Eucharistic fervor by his preaching.
*
14th Century: Clement VI asked the Armenians (who wanted financial assistance) to accept the statement that "after the words of Consecration there is present numerically the same (idem numero) Body of Christ as was born of the Virgin and was immolated on the cross." St. Catherine of Siena showed great devotion to The Eucharist in her dictated "Letters" and "Dialogue". To satisfy her longing for the Lord, the Pope allowed her a portable altar, and a Priest to sustain her ,and her "happy companions", with The Eucharist. At Munich, a nobleman bequeathed a sum of money for the construction of a Tabernacle "where The Blessed Sacrament will be perpetually exposed".
*
15th Century: Pope Martin V and the General Council of Constance declared as an article of faith that "the entire Body and Blood of Christ are truly contained both under the species of bread and under the species of wine". This was in response to the 'Calixtines' who claimed that the whole Christ is not received unless Communion is received under both forms.
*
16th Century: The Council of Trent stated that - "The only-begotten Son of God is to be adored in The Holy Sacrament of The Eucharist with the worship of (Latria), including external worship. The Sacrament, therefore, is to be honored with extraordinary festive celebrations (and) solemnly carried from place to place in processions according to the praiseworthy universal rites and customs of the Holy Church. The Sacrament is to be publically exposed for the peoples adoration.". Pope Clement VII issued a historic document on what was called in Italian "Quarant Ore" (Forty Hours) - with such an arrangement of churches and times that, at every hour of the day and night, the incense of prayer shall ascend without intermission before the face of The Lord.
*
17th Century: The Benedictines of the Perpetual Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament took a vow of Perpetual Adoration.
*
18th Century: Clement XIII, published a detailed set of instructions for the proper carrying out of the Forty-Hours devotion: The Blessed Sacrament is always exposed on the high Altar, except in patriarchal Basilicas; Statues, relics and pictures around the Altar of Exposition are to be removed or veiled; Only Clerics in surplices may take care of the Altar of Exposition; There must be continuous relays of worshippers before The Blessed Sacrament and should include a Priest or Cleric in major orders; No Masses are to be said at the Altar of Exposition.
*
19th Century: The "Congregation of The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and of Perpetual Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament of The Altar", was established to honor and imitate the four states of Christ's life. The "Pious Union of The Adorers of The Most Blessed Sacrament" (a mens nocturnal adoration society) was begun in Rome. The "Archconfraternity of Perpetual Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament and the Work of Needy Churches" was established in Brussels. Herman Cohen (a Jewish convert Carmelite) founded a similar society in parishes. Also, Filippo Smaldone (recently beatified) founded the "Eucharistic League of Priest Adorers" and "Women Adorers". St. Peter J. Eymard began the "People's Eucharistic League" so that laymen might share the Eucharistic spirit and the work of the Religious Congregation he founded. The "Sister Adorers of The Precious Blood" were established in Canada. The "Congregation of Perpetual Adores" came into being. The first International Eucharistic Congress was held at Lille in 1881. At the fifth Congress at Toulouse in 1886, over fifteen-hundred bishops and priests, and thirty-thousand of the laity participated.
*
20th Century: The "Sisters of the Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament" (Adoration Sisters) of the "Malabar Rite" were founded in India. St. John Neuman, the great missionary of Western New York, is to be credited with the introduction of the "Forty Hours of Eucharistic Adoration and Reparation" in the USA. Pope Benedict XV issued the 1st Code of Canon Law which legislated the Reservation of The Blessed Sacrament "in every parish or quasi-parish church.". Pius XI associated the worship of Christ in The Blessed Sacrament with expiation for sin. St. Margaret Mary was canonized. The 2nd Vatican Council further promoted Adoration of The Blessed Sacrament and the Real Presence. The Angel at Fatima and the Blessed Mother taught us to adore the Blessed Sacrament and make reparation for our sins. Pope John Paul II promotes The Eucharist in his many Encyclicals and sermons. "20(+) Hours of Adoration in Reparation for 20(+) Years of Abortion" is begun in Western New York by the Eucharistic Adoration Society. Fr. Frank Pavone promotes this Adoration in his Priests for Life Newsletter.
(Adapted from the "History Notes" a Fr. S. Casarotto - a Scalabrinian Missionary and Pastor of St. Anthony's Church, Buffalo, NY.) and from "HISTOREA.TXT" downloaded from EWTN.
,
Eucharistic Adoration News
I am slowly going to begin to add information from my Website "Eucharistic Adoration News" to this Blog, as our Lord's Divine Mercy is very evident in His "remaining with us always" in The Most Holy Eucharist.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
1ST JOYFUL MYSTERY OF THE ROSARY
I will be adding my photography for all 20 Mysteries of the Rosary, paired with meditations that my dear, sweet late father wrote, and used as he led the Rosary each day at Church for many, many years.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
FAITH GALLERY (My Artistic Impressions)
This Video of mine is set to the tune of "The Lord's Prayer/Our Father". Enjoy & God bless!
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GARDEN GALLERY (My Artistic Impressions)
This Video is set to the tune of "Ave Maria" and "Believe". Enjoy!
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
AN INVITATION TO ALL....
My husband Paul (who started a "Catholics in Recovery" site at: http://catholicrecovery.ning.com/) and I, started another Social Networking Site called "God's Merciful Love". You are all very welcome to come on over there and join us too. Here is a link to "God's Merciful Love": http://godsmercy.ning.com/
Here are the Forums that we have over there:
..
GOD'S DIVINE MERCY:
"FORGIVE OFFENSES" and "CORRECT THE SINNER": This forum can be used to discuss all aspects of our Lord's Divine Mercy: The Chaplet, St. Faustina, Works of Mercy, etc....How has God shown His Love and Forgiveness to you?
5 Jul 8
Reply by Rose SS
.
CONVERSION & REVERSION STORIES:
"INSTRUCT THE UNKNOWING" and "BE PATIENT WITH THOSE IN ERROR": A forum for your stories of Conversion (or Re-Version) to the Catholic Faith.
5 10 hours ago
Reply by Deirdre
.
FAITH QUESTIONS:
"COUNSEL THE DOUBTING": This forum is for those who may be struggling with their Faith and have questions that they wish to ask us. Please answer them with Love and Mercy and Compassion.
2 1 day ago
Reply by Rose SS
.
GRIEF, SORROW, & MOURNING:
"COMFORT THE SORROWFUL" and "BURY THE DEAD": Especially for those who have lost loved ones, and those who'd like to share your comforting words with them.
2 Jun 28
Reply by Rose SS
.
PRAYER & PRAISE:
"PRAY FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD" and "VISIT THE SICK": This forum is for posting any prayer requests that you may have and/or Praise and Thanksgiving to our Merciful Lord.
8 1 hour ago
Reply by Sandra M.
.
VOLUNTEERING & LIVING OUT THE WORKS OF MERCY:
"FEED THE HUNGRY" and "GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY": This forum is to discuss whatever aspect of 'volunteering' that you want...including (but not limited to) what volunteer work you do, what you'd like to do, what type is needed in your area, etc.
2 1 day ago
Reply by Scarlett Kennedy
.
SERVICE EVENTS:
"SHELTER THE HOMELESS" and "CLOTHE THE NAKED": Please share your ideas on how/where we can get-together in small (or large) groups for "Works of Mercy Service Events" to help others.
1 Jun 15
What places in YOUR hometown need volunteers?
by Rose SS
.
RECOVERY & ADDICTIONS:
"VISIT THE IMPRISONED": For discussion of any topics related to those "imprisoned" by: addictions; abusive relations; physical, spiritual or emotional illnesses, etc... and the day to day struggles of those with disabilities. Also for discussion of things like Recovery Prorams, Prison Ministries, etc...
2 Jul 8
Reply by Paul S
.
MOTHER OF MERCY:
This forum is dedicated to the Blessed Mother and devotions to her: The Rosary, APPROVED Apparitions, etc....
1 Jun 15
"A Woman Clothed with The Sun"
by Rose SS
.
THE 7 SACRAMENTS:
For discussions about the 7 Sacraments of The Catholic Church: Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Annointing and Holy Orders
2 Jul 2
Reply by Rose SS
.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE & TEACHINGS:
This forum is for discussion on Catholic social justice work and organizations, as well as the social teachings of the Church. Admins will smite and cast out any flamethrowers, so keep it charitable. Please.
1 Jul 8
Reply by Rose SS
.
PARENTING:
This is for your discussions about parenting, and anything related to that.
2 Jul 2
Reply by Patricia
.
HOME & HEARTH: THE DOMESTIC CHURCH:
For any discussions relating to Catholic home life and sharing God's love in your everyday existence with family, friends, & co-workers.
0 No activity yet
.
RIGHT TO LIFE ISSUES:
Please feel free to discuss anything dealing with Right to Life issues, fighting the culture of death, etc....
1 Jun 12
Reply by Rose SS
.
YOUR WEBSITES & BLOGS:
Please share any Websites and/or Blogs, etc... that YOU yourself have.
6 Jun 15
Reply by Rose SS
.
CREATIVE CORNER:
This forum is for you to share YOUR creative poetry, prayers, artwork, photography, crafts, etc... with other members.
8 1 day ago
Reply by Rose SS
.
HOBBIES AND PASTTIMES:
Do you have a hobby or two? Gardening? Sewing? Reading? Whatever! Please tell us more about them!
3 Jun 16
Reply by Deirdre
.
CHIT & CHAT & THIS & THAT:
Just for fun and general 'chit chat' with each other!
8 Jun 30
Reply by Rob
.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (To/From Rose & Paul... the "Admin"):
Please check here often as we will use this forum to ask for your input for our website ..... and (try) to answer any questions you may have for us about whatever!
5 Jun 17
Reply by Rose SS
.
Here are the Forums that we have over there:
..
GOD'S DIVINE MERCY:
"FORGIVE OFFENSES" and "CORRECT THE SINNER": This forum can be used to discuss all aspects of our Lord's Divine Mercy: The Chaplet, St. Faustina, Works of Mercy, etc....How has God shown His Love and Forgiveness to you?
5 Jul 8
Reply by Rose SS
.
CONVERSION & REVERSION STORIES:
"INSTRUCT THE UNKNOWING" and "BE PATIENT WITH THOSE IN ERROR": A forum for your stories of Conversion (or Re-Version) to the Catholic Faith.
5 10 hours ago
Reply by Deirdre
.
FAITH QUESTIONS:
"COUNSEL THE DOUBTING": This forum is for those who may be struggling with their Faith and have questions that they wish to ask us. Please answer them with Love and Mercy and Compassion.
2 1 day ago
Reply by Rose SS
.
GRIEF, SORROW, & MOURNING:
"COMFORT THE SORROWFUL" and "BURY THE DEAD": Especially for those who have lost loved ones, and those who'd like to share your comforting words with them.
2 Jun 28
Reply by Rose SS
.
PRAYER & PRAISE:
"PRAY FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD" and "VISIT THE SICK": This forum is for posting any prayer requests that you may have and/or Praise and Thanksgiving to our Merciful Lord.
8 1 hour ago
Reply by Sandra M.
.
VOLUNTEERING & LIVING OUT THE WORKS OF MERCY:
"FEED THE HUNGRY" and "GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY": This forum is to discuss whatever aspect of 'volunteering' that you want...including (but not limited to) what volunteer work you do, what you'd like to do, what type is needed in your area, etc.
2 1 day ago
Reply by Scarlett Kennedy
.
SERVICE EVENTS:
"SHELTER THE HOMELESS" and "CLOTHE THE NAKED": Please share your ideas on how/where we can get-together in small (or large) groups for "Works of Mercy Service Events" to help others.
1 Jun 15
What places in YOUR hometown need volunteers?
by Rose SS
.
RECOVERY & ADDICTIONS:
"VISIT THE IMPRISONED": For discussion of any topics related to those "imprisoned" by: addictions; abusive relations; physical, spiritual or emotional illnesses, etc... and the day to day struggles of those with disabilities. Also for discussion of things like Recovery Prorams, Prison Ministries, etc...
2 Jul 8
Reply by Paul S
.
MOTHER OF MERCY:
This forum is dedicated to the Blessed Mother and devotions to her: The Rosary, APPROVED Apparitions, etc....
1 Jun 15
"A Woman Clothed with The Sun"
by Rose SS
.
THE 7 SACRAMENTS:
For discussions about the 7 Sacraments of The Catholic Church: Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Annointing and Holy Orders
2 Jul 2
Reply by Rose SS
.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE & TEACHINGS:
This forum is for discussion on Catholic social justice work and organizations, as well as the social teachings of the Church. Admins will smite and cast out any flamethrowers, so keep it charitable. Please.
1 Jul 8
Reply by Rose SS
.
PARENTING:
This is for your discussions about parenting, and anything related to that.
2 Jul 2
Reply by Patricia
.
HOME & HEARTH: THE DOMESTIC CHURCH:
For any discussions relating to Catholic home life and sharing God's love in your everyday existence with family, friends, & co-workers.
0 No activity yet
.
RIGHT TO LIFE ISSUES:
Please feel free to discuss anything dealing with Right to Life issues, fighting the culture of death, etc....
1 Jun 12
Reply by Rose SS
.
YOUR WEBSITES & BLOGS:
Please share any Websites and/or Blogs, etc... that YOU yourself have.
6 Jun 15
Reply by Rose SS
.
CREATIVE CORNER:
This forum is for you to share YOUR creative poetry, prayers, artwork, photography, crafts, etc... with other members.
8 1 day ago
Reply by Rose SS
.
HOBBIES AND PASTTIMES:
Do you have a hobby or two? Gardening? Sewing? Reading? Whatever! Please tell us more about them!
3 Jun 16
Reply by Deirdre
.
CHIT & CHAT & THIS & THAT:
Just for fun and general 'chit chat' with each other!
8 Jun 30
Reply by Rob
.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (To/From Rose & Paul... the "Admin"):
Please check here often as we will use this forum to ask for your input for our website ..... and (try) to answer any questions you may have for us about whatever!
5 Jun 17
Reply by Rose SS
.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Ways to: "Clothe the Naked"
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1) Try not to "overindulge" your children or grandchildren. Next time they want the latest fashion trend item (if they don't really need it), why not offer to buy it for them IF THEY save up half of the cost of the item first, and then donate that money they saved (from their allowance, job, etc...) to the poor/homeless. If they do that...offer to pay the full amount for what they wanted. This teaches them patience, and the joy of charitable giving.
2) Create, or join an existing group, that gets together to knit, crochet, sew... new clothing for the poor/needed. My parish has such a group that prays together while making "Prayer Shawls" to donate to those in nursing homes, the military, etc... You can read more about their ministry here:
http://www.stbernadetteopny.org/index_files/Page740.htm
3) Gather unwanted/unneeded clothing (by yourself or with a group: Church, family, neighborhood, etc...) and donate them to a place like St. Vincent De Paul's, Goodwill, The Missions, a Homeless shelter. You may want to make sure 1st if they need such donations and/or which types are needed most... as some places simply discard "excess" donations.
4) Volunteer at such a place (as mentioned in #3) to help with washing, sorting, folding, etc... the clothing that is donated.
5) To to stores about donating their returned or slightly "irregular" clothing items to the needy. Perhaps offering to help transport it (or arranging with the agency you'd like to donate it to) will encourage the stores to consider making such donations.
6) Within a couple of weeks after buying (for example) a new coat, donate your old one to a needy person: a homeless person you've seen, or a poor family member, etc...
7) Buy Gift Certificates from thrift shoppes or other clothing stores and give them away to the needy and/or an agency that helps the poor & homeless.
8) Offer to mend clothing for those who are unable to: elderly or infirmed family, friends and neighbors, those in nursing homes, an agency that collects donated clothes.
9) Fight "Sweat Shops" and boycott their products so that one day their workers will be able to clothe their own families by earning just wages.
10) Dress modestly and encourage your children (and others) to do so by your word and more importantly, your example.
11) Dress as frugally as possible, cutting out unnecessary spending, and give that "excess" money to those in need.
12) Buy clothing attached to a (good) cause so that your purchases serve a 2-fold purpose (for example funding Breast Cancer research, etc...) Be sure to research the causes you are supporting first, as sadly, many use the money for "anti-life" purposes.
13) Buy/wear clothing with a message: Pro-Life, Pro-God, etc.... I have some at my storefront here: http://www.cafepress.com/artists4god/5696443 and on my other storefronts mentioned in my other blogs posts.
14) Fight pornography and the indecentness (lack of clothing!) it promotes.
15) Teach someone (your children, etc...) how to make their own clothing or clothing for others by sewing, knitting, etc... If you don't know how yourself, why not take a class with them?
Please add your own ideas to this topic on "Clothing the Naked". Thank you in advance for your help. God bless!
.
1) Try not to "overindulge" your children or grandchildren. Next time they want the latest fashion trend item (if they don't really need it), why not offer to buy it for them IF THEY save up half of the cost of the item first, and then donate that money they saved (from their allowance, job, etc...) to the poor/homeless. If they do that...offer to pay the full amount for what they wanted. This teaches them patience, and the joy of charitable giving.
2) Create, or join an existing group, that gets together to knit, crochet, sew... new clothing for the poor/needed. My parish has such a group that prays together while making "Prayer Shawls" to donate to those in nursing homes, the military, etc... You can read more about their ministry here:
http://www.stbernadetteopny.org/index_files/Page740.htm
3) Gather unwanted/unneeded clothing (by yourself or with a group: Church, family, neighborhood, etc...) and donate them to a place like St. Vincent De Paul's, Goodwill, The Missions, a Homeless shelter. You may want to make sure 1st if they need such donations and/or which types are needed most... as some places simply discard "excess" donations.
4) Volunteer at such a place (as mentioned in #3) to help with washing, sorting, folding, etc... the clothing that is donated.
5) To to stores about donating their returned or slightly "irregular" clothing items to the needy. Perhaps offering to help transport it (or arranging with the agency you'd like to donate it to) will encourage the stores to consider making such donations.
6) Within a couple of weeks after buying (for example) a new coat, donate your old one to a needy person: a homeless person you've seen, or a poor family member, etc...
7) Buy Gift Certificates from thrift shoppes or other clothing stores and give them away to the needy and/or an agency that helps the poor & homeless.
8) Offer to mend clothing for those who are unable to: elderly or infirmed family, friends and neighbors, those in nursing homes, an agency that collects donated clothes.
9) Fight "Sweat Shops" and boycott their products so that one day their workers will be able to clothe their own families by earning just wages.
10) Dress modestly and encourage your children (and others) to do so by your word and more importantly, your example.
11) Dress as frugally as possible, cutting out unnecessary spending, and give that "excess" money to those in need.
12) Buy clothing attached to a (good) cause so that your purchases serve a 2-fold purpose (for example funding Breast Cancer research, etc...) Be sure to research the causes you are supporting first, as sadly, many use the money for "anti-life" purposes.
13) Buy/wear clothing with a message: Pro-Life, Pro-God, etc.... I have some at my storefront here: http://www.cafepress.com/artists4god/5696443 and on my other storefronts mentioned in my other blogs posts.
14) Fight pornography and the indecentness (lack of clothing!) it promotes.
15) Teach someone (your children, etc...) how to make their own clothing or clothing for others by sewing, knitting, etc... If you don't know how yourself, why not take a class with them?
Please add your own ideas to this topic on "Clothing the Naked". Thank you in advance for your help. God bless!
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FACEBOOK GROUPS I STARTED THAT YOU MAY JOIN:
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PLEASE CLICK ON A GROUP NAME BELOW TO BE TAKEN TO THAT FACEBOOK GROUP. THANKS!
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1) CATHOLIC BLOGS: Faith-filled & faithful
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2) CATHOLIC SOCIAL NETWORKS
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3) CATHOLIC ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
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4) CATHOLICS IN WESTERN NEW YORK
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5) DIVINE MERCY IN ACTION (THE "WORKS OF MERCY"
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PLEASE CLICK ON A GROUP NAME BELOW TO BE TAKEN TO THAT FACEBOOK GROUP. THANKS!
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1) CATHOLIC BLOGS: Faith-filled & faithful
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2) CATHOLIC SOCIAL NETWORKS
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3) CATHOLIC ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
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4) CATHOLICS IN WESTERN NEW YORK
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5) DIVINE MERCY IN ACTION (THE "WORKS OF MERCY"
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Thursday, July 3, 2008
Ways to "Shelter The Homeless"
Let us continue to 'brainstorm' ways to live out the Work of Mercy to "Shelter the Homelss"....please add any of your ideas to the comments section. Thanks & God bless!
1) Sponsor or "adopt" a refugee or other homeless family with your Church, Relatives, or Neighborhood. Provide them the necessities for setting up a new home/apartment. Why not sponsor or pay for an individual or families new apartment for 3 or more months to help them get back on their feet?
2) Work on a Habitat for Humanity project (or support financially, or with donations of goods).
3) Purchase (or get donations of) "Pop-up" tents and/or sleeping bags and donate them to a local homeless shelter to distribute to those homeless people who can't/won't stay in the shelter...or go out with a small group and distribute them yourselves to those in need.
4) Donate money to the Missions (such as the Consolata Missions) to build homes, or improve existing ones, in foreign countries, or here at home. Perhaps instead of buying a new piece of furniture or item for yourself (that you really may not need) you could donate that money instead..to those who really DO need those things.
5) Volunteer to help find housing for those living on the streets or in a homeless shelter.
6) Have an auction or garage sale (on your own, with your neighbors, at Church, etc...) of your homes extra "stuff" (most of us have a LOT of extra & unneeded "things"...and donate the profits to an organization that serves the poor and homeless...such as St. Luke's Mission of Mercy.
7) Have a "Spring Cleaning" (or Fall, Summer, or Winter Cleaning!) collection of items to donate also (you may want to check with the shelters/organizations to see what they need most).
8) Open your home to some Foreign Exchange Students.
9) Open your spare room/apartment that isn't renting, etc... to a family or individual who is homeless.
10) Help fix up and elderly or infirmed neighbor or family members home (or find someone who will donate specific services in their area of expertise)... such as plumbing, painting, planting a garden, building a wheelchair accessible ramp or deck (if needed), cleaning the interior, mowing the lawn, etc.... You could make this a "family service outing" if the person you want to help agrees!
11) Have a "Home Enthronement" to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, so that the "homeless" God has a permanent place in your home and heart.
12) Welcome lonely acquaintences/neighbors/extended family into your home for weekly or monthy visits....maybe to play cards, listen to music, share a meal, whatever!
13) Finance/help rebuild homes in areas devastated by war or natural disasters.
14) Organize a Fund Drive (or contribute to an existing one) for a family in your area displaced by a fire. The Local News is a good source to find such a family.
Thanks for reading these ideas....feel free to share them with others, and add your own. God bless! Rose
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1) Sponsor or "adopt" a refugee or other homeless family with your Church, Relatives, or Neighborhood. Provide them the necessities for setting up a new home/apartment. Why not sponsor or pay for an individual or families new apartment for 3 or more months to help them get back on their feet?
2) Work on a Habitat for Humanity project (or support financially, or with donations of goods).
3) Purchase (or get donations of) "Pop-up" tents and/or sleeping bags and donate them to a local homeless shelter to distribute to those homeless people who can't/won't stay in the shelter...or go out with a small group and distribute them yourselves to those in need.
4) Donate money to the Missions (such as the Consolata Missions) to build homes, or improve existing ones, in foreign countries, or here at home. Perhaps instead of buying a new piece of furniture or item for yourself (that you really may not need) you could donate that money instead..to those who really DO need those things.
5) Volunteer to help find housing for those living on the streets or in a homeless shelter.
6) Have an auction or garage sale (on your own, with your neighbors, at Church, etc...) of your homes extra "stuff" (most of us have a LOT of extra & unneeded "things"...and donate the profits to an organization that serves the poor and homeless...such as St. Luke's Mission of Mercy.
7) Have a "Spring Cleaning" (or Fall, Summer, or Winter Cleaning!) collection of items to donate also (you may want to check with the shelters/organizations to see what they need most).
8) Open your home to some Foreign Exchange Students.
9) Open your spare room/apartment that isn't renting, etc... to a family or individual who is homeless.
10) Help fix up and elderly or infirmed neighbor or family members home (or find someone who will donate specific services in their area of expertise)... such as plumbing, painting, planting a garden, building a wheelchair accessible ramp or deck (if needed), cleaning the interior, mowing the lawn, etc.... You could make this a "family service outing" if the person you want to help agrees!
11) Have a "Home Enthronement" to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, so that the "homeless" God has a permanent place in your home and heart.
12) Welcome lonely acquaintences/neighbors/extended family into your home for weekly or monthy visits....maybe to play cards, listen to music, share a meal, whatever!
13) Finance/help rebuild homes in areas devastated by war or natural disasters.
14) Organize a Fund Drive (or contribute to an existing one) for a family in your area displaced by a fire. The Local News is a good source to find such a family.
Thanks for reading these ideas....feel free to share them with others, and add your own. God bless! Rose
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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
My "Works of Mercy" Storefront....
I have just opened up a new Storefront with CafePress called "Works of Mercy" which features my photography/artwork on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
ALL the proceeds from that Storefront will be donated to Life-Affirming Charities...especially those who take care of the poor and/or homeless...Such as "St. Luke's Mission of Mercy" in the inner city of Buffalo, New York.
The store is still in development, but already has some products for purchase. Please check it out when you have a chance.
This is my 2nd Storefront with CafePress. My other one is called "Rose's Artistic Impressions Gallery" and that one has thousands of items for sale (so far...still adding to that one also).
God bless! Rose
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"FAITH AT WORK" Website
The Holy Spirit led me to find this amazing organization on the Web! They run a CoffeeHouse/Book Shoppe and raise money for several needy causes. Please check them out.
http://www.faithatworktroy.org/pb/wp_82e9b788/wp_82e9b788.html
This is the type of ministry that I would love to run, as a "Work of Mercy".
Please see their section on their "Service Projects":
http://www.faithatworktroy.org/pb/wp_74554c14/wp_74554c14.html
And their Upcoming Events: http://www.faithatworktroy.org/pb/wp_c80f66b0/wp_c80f66b0.html
And support them in any way that you can. They also have some great merchandise for sale (see their left sidebar for more details. God bless!
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http://www.faithatworktroy.org/pb/wp_82e9b788/wp_82e9b788.html
This is the type of ministry that I would love to run, as a "Work of Mercy".
Please see their section on their "Service Projects":
http://www.faithatworktroy.org/pb/wp_74554c14/wp_74554c14.html
And their Upcoming Events: http://www.faithatworktroy.org/pb/wp_c80f66b0/wp_c80f66b0.html
And support them in any way that you can. They also have some great merchandise for sale (see their left sidebar for more details. God bless!
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Sunday, June 29, 2008
Ways to "Feed the hungry" and "Give drink to the thirsty"
Let's brainstorm some creative ways that we can "Feed the hungry" and "Give drink to the thirsty".
1) Buy Fast Food Gift-certificates and give them out to those in need (homeless, poor, those standing with signs 'work for food', donate a bunch to a homeless shelter for them to give out, etc...)
2) Make up a "Care Package" of ready made foods & drinks for the elderly and the infirmed in your neighborhood or elsewhere.
3) Take a can of water or pop or a snack to those doing work around your house and/or neighborhood (ie. fixing downed wires, firefighters, road crews, etc....)
4) Visit with an elderly friend or relative at a hospital or nursing home during their lunch/dinner time to help them eat, reach their food & drink....sometimes the nurses are too busy to stay and help.... or even volunteer at one of these places, if you are able, to help at meal times.
5) Make sandwich, snack and/or drink bags to pass out to the homeless you see.
6) Volunteer at a Food Bank.
7) Volunteer at a shelter during meal time to help out.
8) Organize a picnic and invite a homeless shelter and their members to come.
9) Gather up the "extras" that supermarkets and/or restaurants would otherwise throw out (or convince THEM to do so) and take them to a Food Bank or a Shelter.
10) At your next big gathering (or one at your Church) ask everyone to bring a non-perishable food/drink item to donate to the poor/homeless.
Can you think of any more ideas? Please post them here. Thanks!
1) Buy Fast Food Gift-certificates and give them out to those in need (homeless, poor, those standing with signs 'work for food', donate a bunch to a homeless shelter for them to give out, etc...)
2) Make up a "Care Package" of ready made foods & drinks for the elderly and the infirmed in your neighborhood or elsewhere.
3) Take a can of water or pop or a snack to those doing work around your house and/or neighborhood (ie. fixing downed wires, firefighters, road crews, etc....)
4) Visit with an elderly friend or relative at a hospital or nursing home during their lunch/dinner time to help them eat, reach their food & drink....sometimes the nurses are too busy to stay and help.... or even volunteer at one of these places, if you are able, to help at meal times.
5) Make sandwich, snack and/or drink bags to pass out to the homeless you see.
6) Volunteer at a Food Bank.
7) Volunteer at a shelter during meal time to help out.
8) Organize a picnic and invite a homeless shelter and their members to come.
9) Gather up the "extras" that supermarkets and/or restaurants would otherwise throw out (or convince THEM to do so) and take them to a Food Bank or a Shelter.
10) At your next big gathering (or one at your Church) ask everyone to bring a non-perishable food/drink item to donate to the poor/homeless.
Can you think of any more ideas? Please post them here. Thanks!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Praying The Divine Mercy Chaplet. for the Sick/Dying
To locate a Church/Chapel where the Divine Mercy Chaplet is recited for the Sick/Dying in front of our Eucharistic Lord, please go to this Website of a branch of the "Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy"
http://home.catholicweb.com/thedivinemercy/
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http://home.catholicweb.com/thedivinemercy/
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Monday, June 9, 2008
"WRITING STRAIGHT WITH CROOKED LINES"
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by Rose SS (An article I wrote)
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A few months before the infamous attacks on 9/11/2001, The Lord sent both a trial and a blessing into my life. New tenants moved into the other half of the side-by-side duplex that I have lived in for the past 15 years . . . a sad young woman, her confused boyfriend, and her beautiful little four year old daughter. Within days the battle began -- yelling, screaming, fists smashing into walls, furniture being thrown about -- and our lives were turned upside down and into a kind of "hell-on-earth."
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Domestic violence is an ugly crime, and, as things escalated between the couple - the police (and child abuse workers) were called to our house many, many times. When not only clothes and furniture - but bodies also - were alternatingly thrown against the wall, out the door, and eventually down the stairs, we grew fearful that someone was going to be killed. My sister suggested that The Divine Mercy Chaplet1 was a good prayer to do for those near death.
Although I had said the Chaplet a few times at Church events, I didn't really know much about it, or how to say it "by heart." But, during the many bouts of violence next door, I very quickly learned how to pray The Chaplet - one of the simplest, yet most powerful prayers of The Church. God using this volatile situation to teach me how to pray The Chaplet was His first gift of "writing straight with crooked lines." . My new neighbors only lasted about two months in that apartment, but I had prayed many, many Divine Mercy Chaplets for them over the course of that time. I have since added their newborn baby and "all those in abusive situations" to my prayers. I have also come to memorize the beautiful words: "Eternal Father, I offer You The Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Your dearly beloved Son - our Lord Jesus Christ - in atonement for our sins and the sins of the whole world." In this prayer, we are offering up our Eucharistic Lord (who vowed to "never leave us orphans") to His (and our) Heavenly Father -- begging for His mercy on our sinfulness. And gladly, our Lord, forgives our many faults and failings each time we ask Him to - especially in The great Sacrament of Confession where He cleanses us with His Blood and Water to make us pure as snow. . |
Soon after my neighbors came and went, the terrible day of 9/11/2001 was upon us. I remember turning on the TV that morning (which normally I didn't do) before heading off to Mass. I sat horrified at seeing those planes crash into the towers and watching as those towers collapsed and all those lives were lost before my eyes. I finally tore myself away from the TV, and, after calling my mother to tell her I loved her, I hurried off to Church. I then heard on the radio in the car that another plane had been hijacked and more people were most likely headed to their deaths. When I went in to St. Martin's beautiful Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, I begged the people there to pray for the souls on that plane -- fearing the worst . . . and, the worst happened, shortly after that.
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Some time during the 11am Mass, The Holy Spirit gave me the conviction and the courage to ask loudly after Mass for people to please stay and pray The Divine Mercy Chaplet for all involved in the tragedies. Almost everyone in the Church stayed and prayed that beautiful prayer - a prayer that God had helped me learn "just in time" by sending a couple and a little frightened girl into my life just a few short months before . . . God once again had "written straight with crooked lines."
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After some days of hesitation on my part (sadly ignoring our Lord's promptings because of nervous fear) God won out. With the Pastor's permission we continued to pray the Chaplet after Mass -- Monday through Saturday. But, alas! How quickly we forget! Only a handful of people stayed to pray on subsequent days. Never-the-less, our small group faithfully prayed the Chaplet day in and day out with The Lord guiding us in what to pray for. Two days before the church's parochial vicar's death, the Lord inspired us to offer the Chaplet (the great prayer for those near death) for him just in time for the Heavenly gates to open up for him.
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Soon, I had a yearning to learn more about The Divine Mercy devotion and it's origin (and about St. Faustina2). I desperately wanted to buy and read her diary. However, I was very short on money. No worry! The Lord took care of this in His wonderful Mercy. One day, our local Catholic Radio Station (WLOF 101.7) had a fund drive to which I was able to make a small donation in support of this wonderful radio ministry. I issued a pledge challenge to all my former co-workers at Our Lady of Victory Infant Home (where I was honored to teach God's most "perfect" people His special children -- for nine years). So, I listened to the station in my car on the way to work - planning on turning on the radio when I got there. But, sadly, hard as I tried, I could not get the station to come in in the house. So, I gave up and resigned myself to the fact that I wasn't going to hear any more of WLOF's programming that night.
However, after I put the children to bed, I had to go move my car from the road to the driveway, and I decided to turn on the radio while I did so to catch a few moments of WLOF. Remember my desire to read St. Faustina's Diary? Well, lo and behold, as I pulled the car into the driveway, I heard an announcement that "the next two people to call in with a donation of any size would receive a copy of St. Faustina's Diary!" The Lord had timed it just perfectly for me to be in my car to hear that announcement. . You better believe that I rushed into the house and called the station - repeating their phone number over and over again so I wouldn't forget it. When I called, I asked if they still had the Diary, and after a few breathless moments while they did some checking with the people taking the phone pledges, I was thrilled to hear that they still had them! For an additional $5.00 donation (I wish I could have given more), I finally would get the chance to read the book that I had been yearning to read. Allowing me to get a copy of the Diary in this incredible way was another gift of God "writing straight with crooked lines." His ways are mysterious and marvelous! I read that wonderful Diary from front to back in "no time at all." . |
....Well, months went by with our little group praying the Chaplet each day at St. Martin's in the main Church, when one of our "regulars" asked if we might pray It in the Adoration Chapel. But, because I didn't want to disturb those who had signed up for the 11am - 12noon hour (and those who wanted to pray in the Chapel after Mass), I didn't think we should. The Lord had other ideas! I soon began to realize that there was nobody coming for that hour on Thursdays, and our Lord would have been left alone then.
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So, instead of going to 11am Mass at St. Martins, I stayed with our Merciful Savior in the Chapel, and, after leading the Chaplet I went to 12:10 Mass at Our Lady of Victory Basilica. God used that opportunity (of no "assigned" person coming for that hour) for us to begin saying the Chaplet each Thursday, "face to face" with our Eucharistic Lord, in The Chapel. He had once again "written straight with crooked lines." Through some literature from "The Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy" I had also come to learn that The Holy Father has granted an Apostolic blessing to those who pray the Chaplet "for the sick and the dying" (in front of The "Exposed" Lord). God had found a way to bless us in even more ways than before.
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Thursdays became a very special time -used for praying for our loved ones - each person being free to voice their own intentions. At someone's inspired suggestion, we even started taking turns leading different decades (instead of me leading them all). To make the time more special, we also added songs and extra prayers (like "The Consecration of the human race to The Heart of Jesus" and "Prayers of Reparation"). Several of the people who came into The Chapel after Mass (to say other prayers) also began staying to pray The Chaplet with us and our little group of pray-ers soon grew until there were more of us (some days) then there were chairs in the Chapel. Some people even had to kneel on the floor, but I don't think anyone minded because it was our time spent with The King of The Universe and He freely had shared with us His many Mercies and Blessings. The LEAST we could do was to share 10 minutes with Him on our knees.
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It seemed that The Lord, though, wanted us praying in His "exposed" Presence more than just that one day each week. So, once again He used those "crooked lines" and freed up two more days per week for us to pray the Chaplet in the Chapel, where no one came for the 11am - 12noon hour. Now we say the Chaplet with Him in the Chapel each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday . . . praying in the main Church the other days. God is so great!
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In the meantime, about a year ago, God put it in my heart to ask a beautiful family (who I didn't know, but had seen at daily Mass at The Basilica) if they would help me to lead The Chaplet on Sundays after the 12 Noon Mass at OLV. With the pastor's permission we began to lead the Chaplet after Mass. Sadly, most days it was just us praying it, with only occasionally a couple of other people joining in. Despite the fact that it was a blessing to pray the Chaplet so soon after receiving our Lord during Holy Communion, things were not working out the way that The Lord wanted them to.
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Something needed to change to get more people involved in praying the Chaplet for "our Lord and our Lady and our Holy Father's intentions -- especially for PEACE!". He wants more people to pray for peace in this time of war . . . and "in reparation for the sins of (and to beg God's Mercy on) all those near death, on our country, and on the whole world." On March 19th, 2003 -- St. Joseph's Feast Day, and "D" day in so far as that was the day that the decision was made to start the war with Iraq - things were about to change . . .
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I was praying before the 12:10 Mass at The Basilica. While the Angelus was being prayed, The Lord filled me with an urgent request for me to lead the Chaplet before Mass. After hesitating for a few moments I went back to ask the Priest if we could pray the Chaplet after the Angelus was done. He was very nice and apologetic, but he was sorry "there wasn't enough time." He did say that we could lead it after Mass. However, another beautiful and powerful prayer - The Holy Rosary - is prayed each day after Mass . . . and I didn't want to interrupt that much needed prayer. Tears filled my eyes at the thought that we would not get to pray the Chaplet that day, as our Lord had wanted.
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But, three days later, in His quest for us to spread devotion to His Divine Mercy, The Lord opened up some more doors for us. The pastor celebrated Mass that day, and afterwards (while we were still filled with our Lord's Merciful Eucharistic Presence) - my Sunday Chaplet "prayer partner" and I went to talk with him. We asked him if we could lead the Chaplet before Mass EACH day (even moving our Sunday time to before Mass) and the Lord moved that wonderful man to say "Yes." He also moved me to be so bold as to ask him if we could have The Mercy Sunday Services at The Basilica this year. The Monsignor said that he would think and pray about it. Perhaps this was the year we would be able to have this special day celebrated in one of our Lord and Lady's most beautiful Churches!
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Two days later I spoke with one of the other Priests at the parish, asking if he would be willing to lead the services (if the pastor was in agreement, of course). I asked him because I knew he had a devotion to The Divine Mercy Chaplet. In one of his earliest homilies at The Basilica, he spoke of his mother's devotion to The Chaplet and he affectionately called it "the cheater's Rosary" because it was so quick and easy to say. Father said that Monsignor had already talked to him about Divine Mercy Sunday and that "sure" he would lead the services. I have no doubt that it was God's will that these services be held at The National Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of VICTORY. She and Her Divine Son, Spouse, and Father have, and will continue to bring about, Victory over war, Victory over sin, and Victory over the eternal death of hell.
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Praise God for sending us some wonderful Priests, and other wonderful people who have helped lead the Chaplet, along this somewhat long and winding road of spreading His message of Mercy! God also sent us another wonderful man (who had been promoting The Divine Mercy Devotion for years) to help lead the Chaplet some days at the Basilica. His son (a Marine) was stationed in Baghdad at the time, so, our prayers for peace took on a special meaning for all of us.
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"For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have Mercy on us and on the whole world." These words, also, have special meaning during this time of upheaval in the world. Leave it to our Merciful Lord to take what was a "hellish" situation of domestic violence, and to use that to save countless numbers of souls from hell - snatching them from the devil's greedy hands even when they are on the brink of death! He did this by paving the way for the daily recitation of The Divine Mercy Chaplet at not one, but two Churches (and I'm sure many other parishes throughout the world) - culminating in the celebration of the great Feast of Mercy on the Sunday after Easter!
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Our Lord said to St. Faustina "Mankind will not have peace until it comes to the Fount of My Mercy" (Dairy 699). Even in the Mass we pray first for Mercy and then beg for Peace: "Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world - have Mercy on us . . . Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world - have Mercy on us . . . Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world - grant us Peace!" Please join us in begging the Lord for His Mercy and for His Peace. We cannot become complacent thinking that "The" war is almost over. People continue to die daily, in all the "wars" against life: artificial contraception, abortion, euthanasia, suicide, genocide, and the constant "war" that the devil is waging against The Church and faithful people everywhere. We must not forget to continue to pray to God to shower His Mercy on us and to thank Him for all he has already done for the world -- through His Life, Death and Resurrection.
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"Oh, Blood and Water which gushed forth from The Heart of Jesus -- as a Fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You! Jesus, I trust in YOU!"
Footnotes:
1. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy consists of special prayers said on the Rosary daily for Divine Mercy.
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2. Sister Faustina had apparitions of Our Lord starting in 1931 explaining the Divine Mercy Devotion. The devotion spread from these apparitions. Sister Faustina has now been canonized a saint.
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Note: This article covers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy but another important aspect of this Devotion is a special novena of prayer to be said from Good Friday (when Jesus won our salvation) to the Sunday after Easter called, "Mercy Sunday." Booklets of these prayers can be obtained in local Catholic Stores and from the Marians of the Immaculate Conception.
1. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy consists of special prayers said on the Rosary daily for Divine Mercy.
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2. Sister Faustina had apparitions of Our Lord starting in 1931 explaining the Divine Mercy Devotion. The devotion spread from these apparitions. Sister Faustina has now been canonized a saint.
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Note: This article covers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy but another important aspect of this Devotion is a special novena of prayer to be said from Good Friday (when Jesus won our salvation) to the Sunday after Easter called, "Mercy Sunday." Booklets of these prayers can be obtained in local Catholic Stores and from the Marians of the Immaculate Conception.
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Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
- Correct the sinner
- Instruct the ignorant
- Counsel the doubting
- Comfort the sorrowful
- Be patient with those in error
- Forgive offenses
- Pray for the living and the dead
These are the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Again, I ask you all to think of ways that we can live out these particular Works of Mercy in our everyday lives and also on a more "global" basis.
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Please share your ideas in the Comments section and we will compose a full list of them to put in a new Blog post here.
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The Corporal Works of Mercy
- Feed the hungry
- Give drink to the thirsty
- Shelter the homeless
- Clothe the naked
- Visit the sick
- Visit the imprisoned
- Bury the dead
These are the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy. Please help us brainstorm some concrete ways that we can live out these Works. For example:
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Please post your other ideas as "Comments" and I will compile a list and add them to a blog post for easy veiwing and access to all.
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These can be things that we can do as individuals in our own neighborhoods, and also those we can do in groups on a more "global" basis.
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Divine Mercy in Action
This Blog will be dedicated to God's Merciful Love through prayer, education, discussion, and putting Mercy into action through our learning about and living out the Works of Mercy in our everyday lives. We will also hopefully have group "Mercy in Action" get-togethers several times a year throughout the USA (or abroad) where we can actually live out the Works of Mercy.
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We will "brainstorm" ways in which we can share God's Mercy with others we meet and even those we never will meet. If you are interested in joining this venture please add a "comment" here so we can get a feel for how many of you there are.
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We also need several "Suffering Victim Souls" to offer up their pains and/or sorrows for the good of our groups efforts in helping others and for those we are/will help and their needs. If you can help as a "Suffering Soul" please let us know. God bless you for your love of His Mercy and for His people. Rose & Paul
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We will "brainstorm" ways in which we can share God's Mercy with others we meet and even those we never will meet. If you are interested in joining this venture please add a "comment" here so we can get a feel for how many of you there are.
.
We also need several "Suffering Victim Souls" to offer up their pains and/or sorrows for the good of our groups efforts in helping others and for those we are/will help and their needs. If you can help as a "Suffering Soul" please let us know. God bless you for your love of His Mercy and for His people. Rose & Paul
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