Happy Feast Day!

Today is Father Damien of Molokai's first feast day as a Saint!  A fact, I believe, worthy of mention.  So Happy Feast Day... SAINT Damien!

Prayer to St. Damien

Damien, brother on the journey,

happy and generous missionary,

who loved the Gospel more than your own life.

who for love of Jesus left your family, your

homeland, your security and your dreams.

Teach us to give our lives

with a joy like yours,

to be in solidarity with the outcasts of the world,

to celebrate and contemplate the Eucharist

as the source of our own commitment.

Help us to love to the very end

and, in the strength of the Spirit, to persevere in

compassion

for the poor and forgotten

so that we might be

good disciples of Jesus and Mary.

Amen.

Happy Feast of Saint Joseph!

St. Joseph Protector of Virgins

O Blessed St. Joseph, faithful guardian and protector of virgins, to whom God entrusted Jesus and Mary, I implore you by the love which did bear them, to preserve me from every defilement of soul and body, that I may always serve them in holiness and purity of love. Amen

Happy Feast of All Saints!

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us, Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, Pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, Pray for us.
Saint Michael, Pray for us.
Saint Gabriel, Pray for us.
Saint Raphael, Pray for us.
All ye holy angels and archangels, Pray for us.
All ye holy orders of blessed spirits, Pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist, Pray for us.
Saint Joseph, Pray for us.
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets. Pray for us.
Saint Peter, Pray for us.
Saint Paul, Pray for us.
Saint Andrew, Pray for us.
Saint James, Pray for us.
Saint John, Pray for us.
Saint Thomas, Pray for us.
Saint James, Pray for us.
Saint Philip, Pray for us.
Saint Bartholomew. Pray for us.
Saint Matthew, Pray for us.
Saint Simon, Pray for us.
Saint Thaddeus, Pray for us.
Saint Matthias, Pray for us.
Saint Barnabas, Pray for us.
Saint Luke, Pray for us.
Saint Mark, Pray for us.
All ye holy apostles and evangelists, Pray for us.
All ye holy disciples of our Lord. Pray for us.
All ye holy Innocents, Pray for us.
Saint Stephen, Pray for us.
Saint Lawrence, Pray for us.
Saint Vincent, Pray for us.
Saints Fabian and Sebastian, Pray for us.
Saints John and Paul, Pray for us.
Saints Cosmas and Damian, Pray for us.
Saints Gervase and Protase, Pray for us.
All ye holy martyrs, Pray for us.
Saint Sylvester, Pray for us.
Saint Gregory, Pray for us.
Saint Ambrose, Pray for us.
Saint Augustine. Pray for us.
Saint Jerome, Pray for us.
Saint Martin, Pray for us.
Saint Nicolas, Pray for us.
All ye holy bishops and confessors, Pray for us.
All ye holy doctors, Pray for us.
Saint Anthony, Pray for us.
Saint Benedict, Pray for us.
Saint Bernard, Pray for us.
Saint Dominic, Pray for us.
Saint Francis, Pray for us.
All ye holy priests and levites, Pray for us.
All ye holy monks and hermits. Pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalen, Pray for us.
Saint Agatha, Pray for us.
Saint Lucy, Pray for us.
Saint Agnes, Pray for us.
Saint Cecily, Pray for us.
Saint Catherine, Pray for us.
Saint Anastasia, Pray for us
All ye holy virgins and widows, Pray for us.

All ye holy men and women, Saints of God, Make intercession for us.
Be merciful, Spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

From all evil, O Lord, deliver us.
From all sin, O Lord, deliver us.
From Thy wrath, O Lord, deliver us.
From a sudden and unprovided death, O Lord, deliver us.
From the snares of the devil, O Lord, deliver us.
From anger, and hatred, and all ill will, O Lord, deliver us.
From the spirit of fornication, O Lord, deliver us.
From lightning and tempest, O Lord, deliver us.
From the scourge of earthquake. O Lord, deliver us.
From pestilence, famine and war, O Lord, deliver us.
From everlasting death, O Lord, deliver us.
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, O Lord, deliver us.
Through Thy coming, O Lord, deliver us.
Through Thy nativity, O Lord, deliver us.
Through Thy baptism and holy fasting, O Lord, deliver us.
Through Thy Cross and Passion, O Lord, deliver us.
Through Thy death and burial, O Lord, deliver us.
Through Thy holy Resurrection, O Lord, deliver us.
Through Thine admirable Ascension, O Lord, deliver us.
Through the coming of the Holy Spirit the Paraclete, O Lord, deliver us.
In the day of judgment, O Lord, deliver us.

We sinners, We beseech Thee, hear us,
That Thou wouldst spare us, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst pardon us, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance, We beseech Thee,
hear us.
That Thou wouldst govern and preserve Thy holy Church We beseech Thee, hear us.,
That Thou wouldst preserve our Aposto-lie Prelate, and all ecclesiastical orders in holy religion, We beseech Thee,
hear us,
That Thou wouldst humble the enemies of Thy holy Church, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant peace and unity to all Christian people, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst bring back to the unity of the Church all those who have strayed away, and lead to the light of the Gospel all unbelievers, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst confirm and pres-erve us in Thy holy service, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst lift up our minds to heavenly desires, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst render eternal blessings to all our benefactors, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst deliver our souls, and the souls of our brethren, relations and benefactors, from eternal damnation, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst give and preserve the fruit of the earth, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst give eternal rest to all the faithful departed, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst graciously hear us We beseech Thee, hear us. Son of God, We beseech Thee, hear us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

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

Our Father.. (silently)…. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Psalm 69

Deign, O Lord, to rescue me; O Lord, make haste to help me Let them be put to shame and confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back in disgrace who desire my ruin. Let them retire in their shame who say to me, "Aha, aha!" But may all who seek Thee exult and be glad in Thee, And may those who love Thy salvation say ever, "God be glorified!" But I am afflicted and poor; O God, hasten to me! Thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, hold not back!

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. Amen.

Save Thy servants.

Who trust in Thee, O my God.

Be a tower of strength for us, O Lord,

Against the attack of the enemy.

Let not the enemy prevail against us.

And let not the son of evil dare to harm us.

O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.

Neither requite us according to our iniquities.

Let us pray for a true Sovereign Shepherd

The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Let us pray for our benefactors.

Deign, O Lord, for Thy name's sake, to reward with eternal life all those who do us good. Amen.

Let us pray for the faithful departed.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord;
and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace.

Amen.

V. For our absent brethren.

R. Save Thy servants, who trust in Thee, my God.

V. Send them help, O Lord, from Thy sanctuary.

R. And sustain them from Zion.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. The Lord be with Thee.

R. And with Thy spirit.

Let us pray.
O God, Whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, receive our petition, that we, and all Thy servants who are bound by the chains of sin, may, by the compassion of Thy goodness, be mercifully absolved.

Graciously hear, we beg Thee, O Lord, the prayers of Thy suppliants, and pardon the sins of those who confess to Thee, that in Thy bounty Thou may grant us both pardon and peace.

In Thy clemency, O Lord, show us Thy ineffable mercy, that Thou may both free us from all our sins, and deliver us from the punishments which we deserve for them.

O God, Who by sin are offended and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy suppliant people, and turn away the scourges of Thy anger, which we deserve for our sins.

Almighty, everlasting God, have mercy upon Thy servant N., our Sovereign Pontiff, and direct him according to Thy clemency into the way of everlasting salvation, that by Thy grace he may desire those things that are pleasing to Thee, and perform them with all his strength.

O God, from Whom are holy desires, good counsels, and just works, give to Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts be set to keep Thy commandments, and that, being removed from the fear of our enemies, we may pass our time in peace under Thy protection.

Burn our desires and our hearts with the fire of the Holy Spirit, O Lord, that we may serve Thee with a chaste body, and with a clean heart be pleasing to Thee.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids the remission of all their sins, that, through devout prayers, they may obtain the pardon which they always desired.

Direct, we beg Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy holy inspirations, and carry them on by Thy gracious assistance, that every prayer and work of ours may begin always with Thee, and through Thou be happily ended.

Almighty and everlasting God, Thou hast dominion over the living and the dead, and Thou art merciful to all who Thou foreknowest will be Thine by faith and good works; we humbly beg Thee that those for whom we intend to pour forth our prayers, whether this present world still detain them in the flesh, or the world to come has already received them out of their bodies, may, through the intercession of all Thy Saints, by the clemency of Thy goodness, obtain the remission of all their sins. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously hear us. R. Amen.

V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen

Feast Day!

Today is the feast day of one of my closest Saint friends... Saint Jude Thaddeus. I first really discovered and came to know Saint Jude about two years ago. My theatrical group I am with was preparing for our first production of "The Seven Last Words of Christ", and in addition to being given the part of one of the angry mob, I was also made one of the apostles at the Last Supper. Our directoress randomly assigned all of us an apostle - I was given Saint Jude. I wanted to really get to know him, so I could do better with my part... and the rest, as they say, is history!

He really is an amazing saint. Saint Jude was the brother of Saint James the Lesser and a blood relative of Jesus. He is reported to have resembled Our Lord greatly in looks - hence the reason Saint Jude is sometimes pictured holding a medal of Our Lord.

Saint Jude is traditionally venerated as the patron saint of lost or impossible causes. This stems from the fact that his name is very similar to Judas Iscariot, the traitor. (A variant of Jude often used in the Bible is Judas.) Because of this similarity, people would confuse the two. They did not ask for Saint Jude's intercession, basically rendering him "a lost cause". (Things have improved since then. ;) )

Here are two of my favorite prayers to Saint Jude.

Saint Jude Prayer in the Morning
Saint Jude, giver of hope, let the promise of this new day fill me with wonder. Goodness surrounds me this morning. The sun rising to greet the earth recalls the joy of Easter morning, when Christ's light burst forth, showing the world His glory. St. Jude, place a spark of hope in my heart and ignite in me a fire burning with the love of God. Help me in my work today. Help me to forgive readily and to know and do God's holy and true will. May everything I am bring glory to God, and lead me closer to you, my ever-loving friend. Amen.

Saint Jude Prayer at Night
Come St. Jude, dearest companion. Quiet my heart and free my spirit. Help me to recognize the gifts of this day. I go now to rest. Refresh me this night with peacful sleep. Hold me and my loved ones close to you, keep us safe, and protect us from the evil one. Guide and heal my tired mind and body. Bring me safely to another day, that I may live to serve Jesus and walk with you in hope toward my heavenly reward. Amen

Saint Jude... pray for us!

Happy Feast Day to the Little Flower

Today for Saint Therese's feast day my family, some friends and I made a pilgrimage to a Shrine dedicated to her. There was a Mass, we walked through the little museum, watched a short video about her and attended a talk by a Carmelite brother.

It's amazing when you stop and think about it - how well known Saint Therese is around the world. The brother stated in his talk, Therese is probably the most popular saint in the world. I can believe it, so many girls are named after her, so many churches... if people only know about one saint, chances are it's Saint Therese. About 400 people came to the mass today - an 11:30 Mass... on a Thursday!

And what really makes you stop and wonder in awe is when you find out that only 30 people came to Saint Therese's funeral.


Happy Feast Day Saint Therese!

Belated Feast Days

This post is because i've been absolutely horrid with remembering my dear friend's feast days this year. So here are all my friend's now, with their feast days an a little bit about them.

Saint Isadore of Seville
Feast Day: April 4th
Patron of computer users, the Internet, schoolchildren, students

Blessed Father Damien de Veuster
Feast Day: May 10th
Patron of lepers

Saint Anthony of Padua
Feast Day: June 13th
Patron of lost items, animals, sailors, poor people

Saint Christopher
Feast Day: July 25th
Patron of travelers, against lightning, against floods, automobile drivers

Saint Dominic de Guzeman
Feast Day: August 8th
Patron of astronomers, astronomy, scientists

Saint Rose of Lima
Feast Day: August 23rd
Patroness of embroiderers, against vanity, florists, gardeners

Feast Day!

LITANY IN HONOR OF
SAINT JOHN VIANNEY
(THE CURÉ D'ARS)

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

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

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

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.

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

God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us.  

Saint John-Mary Vianney,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, endowed with grace from thine infancy,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, model of filial piety,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, devoted servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, spotless lily of purity, 
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, faithful imitator of the sufferings of Christ,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, abyss of humility, 
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, seraph of prayer,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, faithful adorer of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, ardent lover of holy poverty,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, true son of St. Francis of Assisi,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, exemplary Franciscan tertiary,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, tender friend of the poor,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, penetrated with the fear of God's judgment,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, fortified by divine visions, 
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, who was tormented by the evil spirit,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, perfect model of sacerdotal virtue,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, firm and prudent pastor,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, inflamed with zeal,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, faithful attendant on the sick,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, indefatigable catechist,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, who didst preach in words of fire,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, wise director of souls,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, specially gifted with the spirit of counsel,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, enlightened by light from Heaven, 
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, formidable to Satan,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, compassionate with every misery, 
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, providence of the orphans,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, favored with the gift of miracles, 
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, who didst reconcile so many sinners to God,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, who didst confirm so many of the just in the way of virtue,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, who didst taste the sweetness of death,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, who dost now rejoice in the glory of Heaven,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, who givest joy to those who invoke thee,
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, heavenly patron of parish priests, 
pray for us.  

St. John Vianney, model and patron of directors of souls,
pray for us.  

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Hear us, O Lord.

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

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

V. Pray for us, blessed Jean-Marie Vianney, 
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let Us Pray

Almighty and merciful God, 
Who didst bestow upon blessed John Mary Vianney 
wonderful pastoral zeal 
and a great fervor for prayer and penance, 
grant, we beseech Thee, 
that by his example and intercession 
we may be able to gain the souls 
of our brethren for Christ, 
and with them attain to everlasting glory, 
through the same Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee 
and the Holy Ghost, 
one God, world without end.

Amen

In Honor of Saint Philip Neri

whom i am told had quite the sense of humor,(even appearing to the cardinal in charge of Saint Philip's canonization long enough to make a funny face at him and then leave. No really! I belive it was because the cardinal wasn't sure how someone who liked to joke as much as Saint Philip could be a saint) i decided to share the below article with you all.

From Inside Catholic, via A Maiden's Wreath.




WHETHER NAPS ARE NECESSARY FOR SALVATION

(Utrum Siestae Necessae sunt pro salute)

Objection I - It would seem that naps are not necessary for salvation. Salvation consists in becoming like to God. God is most actual. Hence, we must be actual. Now, naps are opposed to actuality and are hence opposed to salvation.

Objection II - Besides, the Apostle says, "Be watchful and awake, for your salvation is near at hand." Naps are opposed to being watchful. Hence, it follows that naps are opposed to salvation.

Objection III - Furthermore, Aristotle says that virtue consists in activity. Naps are not activity and are therefore not counted as virtuous. Hence, it follows that naps are opposed to salvation.

On the contrary, the Psalmist says, "He pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber." Now, salvation is a gift, and we must sleep to receive the gifts of God. Hence, naps are necessary for salvation.

I answer that naps can be spoken of in two ways: naps in a relative sense (secundum quid) and naps simply speaking (simpliciter dicta).

Relatively speaking, naps are neutral in that they can be used for a good or a bad purpose. Naps, simply speaking, are those naps which give us the rest that we might wake "refreshed and joyful" to praise God (as the Roman Breviary says). To this end, naps are necessary for salvation, since praising God is necessary for salvation.

Furthermore, contemplation is said to be "rest in God." Now, contemplation flows from Charity, and Charity is necessary for salvation; it follows that naps, which are also a kind of rest, are necessary for salvation. Likewise, contemplation is said to be a foretaste of heavenly beatitude. Naps are a foretaste of heavenly beatitude.

Furthermore, Jesus slept in the boat. Hence, we are to sleep in the Church, for the boat is a type of the Church. Hence we are to sleep during church, often during homilies. Consequently, it must be said that naps are necessary for salvation.

Reply to the first objection - One cannot mistake immobility for potency. For a man acts even in immobility; for instance, the liturgy compels us to times of silence. Sleep is perfect silence. God is all perfection. Hence, God is most actually napping.

Reply to the second objection - The Apostle spoke figuratively, not literally. For Saint Joseph was watchful in his sleep, that is why God spoke to him in a dream. So also God spoke to many Saints in dreams. Hence, we are to nap watchfully, that God might speak to us.

Response to the third objection - Aristotle was a pagan and cannot be expected to have understood the deep mysteries of God's napping. Had he known the revelation, he would have slept much more than he did.

Feast Day!

Father Damien de Veuster
Apostle to the Lepers

Born January 3rd, 1840 - Died of leprosy April 15th, 1889
Feast Day May 10th

Today is the feast day of one of my newest friends among the saints, Blessed Father Damien - soon to be SAINT Father Damien!!!! This year i heard of the tradition of picking or having someone pick a saint for you at the beginning of the year, this saint will be your special friend and patron for the year. Saint Damien is mine.

A few months ago i wrote an essay for a writing contest (that i didn't win) about Father Damien that i thought i would share with you today.

No Greater Love

“‘Death before death’ is what the ancient Egyptians called leprosy. It is a fit description. Down through the centuries it has been known as the most incurable and most dreaded of diseases.” Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, was and still is a mysterious and devastating ailment. The cause is, as well as how it is passed from one person to the next, is still unknown.

When a person is affected with the disease, they begin by gradually losing the sense of feeling in their skin. Parts of their body swell and start to decay. Limbs fall off; large sores appear and fester, giving off a repulsive smell. As the disease progresses, the victim becomes terribly disfigured; the nose may disappear and often the eyes are reduced to holes of pus. In short, they become a mass of decayed flesh.

The year is 1874 and the islands of Hawaii are still an independent country. For years the native people have been suffering from the scourge of leprosy. The Board of Health is very strict, searching out any who might have the disease, forcing them from their families and shipping them off to the island of Molokai. The conditions there are sub-human, there are no laws, no morals, no aid from the outside world. John Farrow writes, “The sentence of segregation meant a grim life-imprisonment in a hopeless place... Objects of repulsion, feared by all, they were not wanted on this earth and in every way were shown that the sooner their actual death occurred the better it would be for humanity.”

Molokai was a dreaded name, one that struck fear into the hearts of those who heard it. It was to this place that a priest from Belgium, Father Damien de Veuster volunteered to go, to care for the lepers, to help them. Those let off at the island were not allowed back on the ships, so Father Damien was volunteering himself for exile to what could be described as hell on earth. Who was this courageous man, you may ask?

Damien was born in Belgium in 1840 as Joseph de Veuster. His father wished him to become a merchant, but instead Joseph joined the order of Fathers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in 1863. A few years later, Damien requested to be sent to the Hawaiian Islands as a missionary in the place of his brother who was supposed to go but was unable due to illness.

He was ordained a priest upon arriving at the Islands and was soon given a missionary parish on Hawaii, where he spent the next eleven years baptizing converts, building chapels and traveling all over the region. He came face to face with leprosy and was forced to send away parishioners who contracted the disease.

When the call came for missionary priests to minister to the outcasts of Molokai, Damien was the first to volunteer. Surely he was horrified at what he saw, but Damien knew that in order to help them, he would have to show no disgust. So he began, taking care not to show repulsion or fear and little by little earning the trust and respect of the island inhabitants. He visited the sick, bandaged their wounds, dug graves, made coffins, buried the dead, and administered religious services all by himself.

Debauchery, violence, poor shelter, lack of food, water, clothing, medicine and other supplies were major obstacles to Damien’s work, but with hard work and determination he was able to overcome them. He was known for being stubborn and hard-headed at times, but it was through his stubbornness, added to a deep faith in God, that the conditions of Molokai were able to improve.

On a hot, summer day in June, 1885 when Damien was forty-five years old, he began the Mass and turning to face his congregation, addressed them as, “My fellow lepers.” Damien had contracted leprosy. Even as the disease progressed, Damien never slowed down in his work and care for the sick. His new assistant, Brother Joseph, tried to convince Damien to take it easy, but Damien would not be stopped. He knew his time was limited, and he wanted to help his spiritual children as much as he could before his death.

Four years after contracting the disease, fifteen years after coming to Molokai, Damien’s work on earth was done and he passed away. The people of Molokai mourned the loss of their friend “Kamiano”, along with the rest of the world who had heard of this courageous rescuer of the abandoned. Today his remains rest in his home country of Belgium.

The story of Father Damien is inspiring to me because he is an amazing example of perseverance and dedication, both of which I struggle with. Through his example, I am trying to persevere in my daily tasks and in tasks I volunteer for. If Father Damien could persevere for fifteen years in horrifying conditions, doing what many considered unthinkable and impossible, then I can persevere in the little things that I do.

According to a definition of moral courage, Damien showed true moral courage by “taking a strong stance on a specific issue [the lepers] and defending it based on one’s personal beliefs or convictions regardless of danger or threats to personal safety.” His ministry to the lepers impacted the world by revealing to it the degradation of the care and treatment of lepers. Inspired by his example, people around the world began to take notice of these outcasts: sending money for aid, searching for medical cures and volunteering to care for them.

I leave you with the words inscribed on a monument to Damien in Hawaii, words that describe Damien’s life perfectly, “Greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.”


Bibliography
Farrow, John. Damien the Leper. New York: Image Books, 1954.
Boeynaems, Libert. "Father Damien (Joseph de Veuster)." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 4. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 25 Feb. 2009 .

Blessed Father Damien... Pray for us!

Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker

O glorious Joseph! Who concealed your incomparable and regal dignity of custodian of Jesus and of the Virgin Mary under the humble appearance of a craftsman and provided for them with your work, protect with loving power your sons, especially entrusted to you.

You know their anxieties and sufferings, because you yourself experienced them at the side of Jesus and of His Mother. Do not allow them, oppressed by so many worries, to forget the purpose for which they were created by God. Do not allow the seeds of distrust to take hold of their immortal souls. Remind all the workers that in the fields, in factories, in mines, and in scientific laboratories, they are not working, rejoicing, or suffering alone, but at their side is Jesus, with Mary, His Mother and ours, to sustain them, to dry the sweat of their brow, giving value to their toil. Teach them to turn work into a very high instrument of sanctification as you did.

Amen.

The Origins of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Hello to all of you! A Blessed Feast of Divine Mercy! In honor of this feast day, I would like to share with you the paragraph from Saint Faustina's Diary where she records how Our Lord instructed her to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. For those of you that own Saint Faustina's Diary, this excerpt is paragraph 476. Note: text in bold are the words of Jesus.

The next morning, when I entered chapel, I heard these words interiorly: Every time you enter the chapel, immediately recite the prayer which I taught you yesterday. When I said the prayer, in my soul I heard these words: This prayer will serve to appease My wrath. You will recite it for nine days, on the beads of the rosary, in the following manner: First of all, you will say one OUR FATHER and HAIL MARY and the I BELIEVE IN GOD. Then on the OUR FATHER beads you will say the following words: "Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonment for our sins and those of the whole world." On the HAIL MARY beads you will say the following words: "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world." In conclusion, three time you will recite these words: "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

Happy Feast Day!

Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven,

Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Ghost,

Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God,

Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,

Pray for us.

Holy Joseph,

Pray for us.

Noble Son of the House of David,

Pray for us.

Light of the Patriarchs,

Pray for us.

Husband of the Mother of God,

Pray for us.

Chaste Guardian of the Virgin,

Pray for us.

Foster-father of the Son of God,

Pray for us.

Sedulous Defender of Christ,

Pray for us.

Head of the Holy Family,

Pray for us.

Joseph most just,

Pray for us.

Joseph most chaste,

Pray for us.

Joseph most prudent,

Pray for us.

Joseph most valiant,

Pray for us.

Joseph most obedient,

Pray for us.

Joseph most faithful,

Pray for us.

Mirror of patience,

Pray for us.

Lover of poverty,

Pray for us.

Model of all who labor,

Pray for us.

Glory of family life,

Pray for us.

Protector of Virgins,

Pray for us.

Pillar of families,

Pray for us.

Consolation of the afflicted,

Pray for us.

Hope of the sick,

Pray for us.

Patron of the dying,

Pray for us.

Terror of the demons,

Pray for us.

Protector of the holy Church,

Pray for 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,

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us.

He made him master of his house,

and ruler of all his possessions.

O God, You were pleased to choose Saint Joseph as the husband of Mary and the guardian of your Son. Grant that, as we venerate him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to have him as our intercessor in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Joseph... Pray for Us!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Christ shield me this day:
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me

Saint Patrick... Pray for Us!

It's Official!

Blessed Father Damien will become SAINT Father Damien on October 11th!!!!

5 Quick Takes Saturday - Vol 6

- 1 -

Another Quick Takes Saturday! As I have a ton to do today before 3:30, these will really have to be quick. I'll start out by letting you know that this will be the last quick takes post for a while. I have decided to give up the Internet for Lent, but since Sunday's are not considered a part of Lent, I will be back with a post or two on Sundays, and I perhaps on important occasions schedule a post or two. (Like my sisters birthday in a few weeks). I will try to post more before Wednesday, but I'm not promising anything.

-2-

Great news! My friend "Cap" informed my yesterday (as I was sitting down to write an essay on him none the less!) that Bl. Fr. Damien is up for canonization! I did some further research on it just now and the date for his canonization will in fact be announced... TODAY!!!! Catholicnews.com and a few other sites said that the Vatican will be giving it's official approval of the last miracle today. YAY!!!!!

-3-
Only on take three and I have nooooo idea what to post! Hee hee, oh dearie me. =) Oh right.
Ahem.
I've been looking for Lenten music to put on my music playlist for Lent. If you have any suggestions for me, please leave them in the comment box. I doubt playlist.com will have many of them, so the more suggestions you have the better! But leave a song even if you only have one.

-4-
I just found this interesting survey on Jennifer's Favorite Links'. It's a Gallup poll showing which countries are the 'most religious' I guess you could put it. Quite interesting, I advise you take a look at it. I'm sure you won't be surprised as to where America falls. Although all Alabama fans (like me) will be cheering when they see where Sweet Home Alabama is. (Hmmm, think The Shrine has anything to do with it?) Here's the link!

-5-
Another thing from Jennifer's Favorite Links! My mom posted about this too. See how well you do at placing all the states on the map.
Then check the comment box and I'll tell you how I did.

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Now it's your turn! Below is a Mr. Linky List if you'd care to link to your own 5 Quick Takes Saturday post. Just two things though
(1) Make sure the URL you submit is to your post, not the URL of your blog. (2) Include a link back here.
Can't wait to see what you post!

5 Valentine Takes Saturday - Vol. 5

~1~

Happy St. Valentine's Day one and all! In honor of this feast and holiday, all the Quick Takes shall be Valentine's Day related. I even went and changed my blog template for the day. I shall more likely than not change it back Sunday or Monday so if you don't see it today, chances are you won't see it at all!

Also a challenge for those self-pityingly inclined and food for thought for those who are not. Either way, Valentine's Day Challenge is another brilliant post from A Maiden's Wreath.

~2~

St. Valentine was a priest - possibly a bishop - of Rome, as well as a physician. During the persecution of the Christians, Valentine was imprisoned for giving aid to the soon-to-be martyrs at the jail. While in prison, he is said to have cured the jailer's daughter of blindness. From catholic.org,

The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in a The Nuremberg Chronicle, a great illustrated book printed in 1493. [Additional evidence that Valentine was a real person: archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine.] Alongside a woodcut portrait of him, text states that Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth [Claudius II]. Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome [when helping them was considered a crime], Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate [circa 269].

St. Valentine's feast is celebrated on February 14th. However, according to americancatholic.org, due to the confusion as to the certainty of Valentine's reality (there at least three different Saints with that name), St. Valentine's feast was dropped from the calendar of official, worldwide Catholic feasts.

~3~

The Origins of Valentine's Day, from americancatholic.org...
(They do a fine job of explaining it, so why not quote them?)

The roots of St. Valentine's Day lie in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on Feb. 15. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year.

Pope Gelasius I was, understandably, less than thrilled with this custom. So he changed the lottery to have both young men and women draw the names of saints whom they would then emulate for the year (a change that no doubt disappointed a few young men). Instead of Lupercus, the patron of the feast became Valentine. For Roman men, the day continued to be an occasion to seek the affections of women, and it became a tradition to give out handwritten messages of admiration that included Valentine's name.

There was also a conventional belief in Europe during the Middle Ages that birds chose their partners in the middle of February. Thus the day was dedicated to love, and people observed it by writing love letters and sending small gifts to their beloved. Legend has it that Charles, duke of Orleans, sent the first real Valentine card to his wife in 1415, when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. (He, however, was not beheaded, and died a half-century later of old age.)

~4~

It's been two years since the Rebelution released it's wonderful and informative

If you've never seen this before, I HIGHLY recommend and encourage you to click on the banner and check it out! And guys, you can still sign the Modesty Petition. Again, to do this, just click on the banner.

Over 1,600 Christian guys have answered questions on everything from glitter lotion and lip gloss to swimsuits and skirt slits! It's everything girls have ever wanted to ask guys about modesty, but were afraid to ask! For guys, it's really interesting to see what other Christian guys think! Most importantly, the survey is presented as a resource to help Christian girls (and guys), not a list of legalistic rules, and it is accompanied by the Modesty Survey Petition (which tons of guys have signed) which encourage young women to focus on the heart, not the hemline, to honor their parents, etc.

-from the Rebelution website.

A warm thank you to all the guys who answered the questions and signed the petitions, making the Modesty Survey the best Valentine I have yet received!

~5~

Hmm, take number 5. Well, since it's Valentine's Day, I shall list all of my favorite love songs, at least, the ones I can recall. I know as soon as I hit 'Publish' and leave the computer I shall think of a dozen more. Ah well, that is what editing is for!
So then, my favorite love songs (read, 'the songs I want played at my wedding and/or my 50th Anniversary'.)

1. Amazed - by LoneStar
2. Lost in this Moment - by Big & Rich
3. All I Ask of You - 'The Phantom of the Opera'
4. When You Say You Love Me - by Josh Groban
5. My Confession - by Josh Groban
6. All'Improvviso Amore - by Josh Groban
7. Livin' Our Love Song - by Jason Michael Carroll
8. The Voyage - Celtic Thunder
9. Can You Feel the Love Tonight - 'The Lion King'
10. Love Story - Taylor Swift
11. Our Song - Taylor Swift
12. When You Say Nothin' at All - Alison Krauss
13. Kingdom of Love - Shani Rigsbee (From the movie "One Night with the King")

The last song is particularly beautiful, so I linked to the song. You won't regret listening to it!

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Now it's your turn! Below is a Mr. Linky List if you'd care to link to your own 5 Quick Takes Saturday post. Just two things though
(1) Make sure the URL you submit is to your post, not the URL of your blog. (2) Include a link back here.
Can't wait to see what you post!

Happy Feast of Saint Nicholas!

Nicholas was the bishop of Myra in what is now the country of Turkey. He was known for his many and generous works towards the poor, and as the protector of the innocent and wronged. Nicholas lived during the persecutions of Diocletian and was exiled and imprisoned for his faith, which he refused to denounce. After he was released, Nicholas was able to attend the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. He died on December 6th, 346 AD in Myra.
There are many stories of the miracles and the generousity of St. Nicholas, some of which you may be familiar with:

• Upon hearing that a local man had fallen on such hard times that he was planning to sell his daughters into prostitution, Nicholas went by night to the house and threw three bags of gold in through the window, saving the girls from an evil life. These three bags, gold generously given in time of trouble, became the three golden balls that indicate a pawn broker’s shop.
• He raised to life three young boys who had been murdered and pickled in a barrel of brine to hide the crime. These stories led to his patronage of children in general, and of barrel-makers besides.
• Induced some thieves to return their plunder. This explains his protection against theft and robbery, and his patronage of them - he’s not helping them steal, but to repent and change. In the past, thieves have been known as Saint Nicholas’ clerks or Knights of Saint Nicholas.
• During a voyage to the Holy Lands, a fierce storm blew up, threatening the ship. He prayed about it, and the storm calmed - hence the patronage of sailors and those like dockworkers who work on the sea.

Due to the sailor's who claimed St. Nicholas as their patron, knowledge of and devotion to Nicholas spread to all of Europe. In memory of the story in which St. Nicholas secretly gave the bags of gold to the poor man's daughters, gift-giving on this Saint's feast has become a popular tradition all around the world.
Saint Nicholas is the patron of unmarried woman, sailors, captives, children, bakers, barrel makers, brides, grooms,newlyweds, old maids, penitent murders, pilgrims, poor people, scholers, schoolchildren and penitent thieves, among many other things.

St. Nicholas ... Pray for Us!

Feast Day!

St. Elizabeth was born as the daughter of the King of Hungary, but at a very young age she betrothed to the son of the King of Thungaria and was sent to live at the castle with the royal family. She received her education there, and was soon noted to be of a devoutly religious turn of mind.
Elizabeth married Prince Louis when she was only 13 and the couple had three children. Much to the dismay of the royal court, Elizabeth spent a great amount of time and money in caring for the poor and the needy. Even her husband, a charitable man himself, became frustrated with her at times.
One famous anecdote goes, that one day Elizabeth was leaving the castle with a food and other supplies for the poor. On her way out, she met Louis, who asked her what it was she was carrying. When she showed him, he did not see food, but saw roses instead.
Louis died while on a crusade, leaving the 20 year old Elizabeth and her children alone. She sold all her possessions, worked for food and money to support her children, and became a third order Fransican. She continued her charitable works towards the poor.
Elizabeth died in 1231. She is the patroness of bakers, beggars, brides, charitable workers, exiles, falsely accused people, hospitals, homeless, problems with in-laws, laceworkers, tertiaries and widows.

St. Elizabeth... Pray for Us!

Feast Day!

St. Jude was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, as well as a close relative. He is reported to look very similar to Our Lord, which is why St. Jude is nearly always depicted holding a medal with the image of Christ on it. He is also the brother of St. James the Lesser.
St. Jude preached in Mesopotamia, and it is said that he is the one who brought the Shroud of Christ to there. The Shroud stayed in Mesopotamia for many years before being brought to Turin.
Due to the close relation of St. Jude's name with Judas Iscariot, early Christians often confused the two, and so did not pray for St. Jude's intercession, making him somewhat of a 'lost cause'. This is the reason that St. Jude Thaddeus is the patron saint of lost or hopeless causes as well as desperate situations.


Prayer to St. Jude

Most holy Apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered the beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so miserable; make use, I implore you, of this particular privilege accorded to you, to bring visible and speedy help, where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolations and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly (here make your request), and that I may bless God with you and all the elect forever.

I promise you, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen.

St. Jude... Pray for Us!

Feast Day!

St. Francis of Assisi, also known as Francis Bernadone, is the founder of the Fransican order. It is said that during one of his visits to Rome, he met St. Dominic the founder of the Dominican order and the two became friends. Indeed, the two orders are known as "brother orders".

St. Francis is the patron of animals, birds, families, the environment, merchants, tapestry workers and needle workers. He is represented by birds, fish, deer, a lamb, a skull, the stigmata and the wolf.


St. Francis of Assisi... Pray for us!