~ JANUARY Calendar of Saints ~

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1 Mary, Mother of God blessing the New Year	2 Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen friendship	3 Geneieve whole-heartedness	4 Elizabeth Ann Seton children	5 John Neumann the nation	6 Melchior travel	7 Raymond of Penyafort overcoming sin
8 The Sacred Wounds reconciliation	9 Adrian of Canterbury truth	10 The Father of Love unconditional love	11 The Spirit of Truth overcoming deceptions	12 Benedict Biscop musicians and painters	13 Hilary of Poitiers divinity of Christ	14 Macrina the Elder grandchildren
15 Paul the Hermit hardships	16 Berard evangelization	17 Anthony the Abbot attachments	18 Charles of Sezze unpleasant tasks	19 Marguerite Bourgeous going where God leads	20 Fabian zeal	21 Agnes of Rome engaged couples
22 Vincent of Saragossa deacons	23 John the Almsgiver helpfulness	24 Francis de Sales writers and publishers	25 Paul the Apostle boldness	26 Timothy & Titus partnership	27 Angela Merici handicaps	28 Thomas Aquinas theological study
29 Aquilinus of Milan position in life	30 Aldegundis cancer	31 John Bosco youth

~ DEC Calendar of Saints ~

December 2011

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1 Eligius workers	2 Bibiana loss, bereavement ministry	3 Francis Xavier sacrificial sufferings
4 John Damascene violent games and shows	5 Galganus conversion for hardest cases	6 Nicholas children	7 Ambrose of Milan holy use of words	8 Immaculate Conception sanctification of our homes	9 Peter Fourier endurance in ministry	10 Romaric religious and lay communities
11 Damasus I Pope's ministry	12 Our Lady of Guadalupe the Americas	13 Lucy virginity and chastity	14 John of the Cross friends in ministry	15 Nino healing and guidance	16 Adelaide aiding the outcast	17 Olympias women in ministry
18 Flannan growth through service	19 Urban V heavy heart	20 Abraham, Isaac & Jacob Messianic Jews	21 Peter Canisius rejected love	22 Ischyrion standing firm	23 John of Kanty overcoming hostility	24 Adele late religious vocations
25 Christmas family holiness	26 Stephen deacons	27 John the Beloved close friendships	28 Holy Innocents children’s protection	29 Thomas Becket politicians	30 Anysius defending the downtrodden	31 Sylvester I preparing for the new year

The Miracle of Bolsena-Orvieto, Italy

In 1263 a German priest, Peter of Prague, stopped at Bolsena while on a pilgrimage to Rome. He is described as being a pious priest, but one who found it difficult to believe that Christ was actually present in the consecrated Host. While celebrating Holy Mass above the tomb of St. Christina (located in the church named for this martyr), he had barely spoken the words of Consecration when blood started to seep from the consecrated Host and trickle over his hands onto the altar and the corporal.

The priest was immediately confused. At first he attempted to hide the blood, but then he interrupted the Mass and asked to be taken to the neighboring city of Orvieto, the city where Pope Urban IV was then residing.

The Pope listened to the priest's account and absolved him. He then sent emissaries for an immediate investigation. When all the facts were ascertained, he ordered the Bishop of the diocese to bring to Orvieto the Host and the linen cloth bearing the stains of blood. With archbishops, cardinals and other Church dignitaries in attendance, the Pope met the procession and, amid great pomp, had the relics placed in the cathedral. The linen corporal bearing the spots of blood is still reverently enshrined and exhibited in the Cathedral of Orvieto. (See inset picture)

It is said that Pope Urban IV was prompted by this miracle to commission St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the Proper for a Mass and an Office honoring the Holy Eucharist as the Body of Christ. One year after the miracle, in August of 1264, Pope Urban IV introduced the saint's composition, and by means of a papal bull instituted the feast of Corpus Christi.

After visiting the Cathedral of Orvieto, many pilgrims and tourists journey to St. Christina's Church in Bolsena to see for themselves the place where the miracle occurred. From the north aisle of the church one can enter the Chapel of the Miracle, where the stains on the paved floor are said to have been made by the blood from the miraculous Host. The altar of the miracle, which is surmounted by a 9th- century canopy, is now situated in the grotto of St. Christina. A reclining statue of the saint is nearby.

In August of 1964, on the 700th anniversary of the institution of the feast of Corpus Christi, Pope Paul VI celebrated Holy Mass at the altar where the holy corporal is kept in its golden shrine in the Cathedral of Orvieto. (His Holiness had journeyed to Orvieto by helicopter; he was the first pope in history to use such a means of transportation).

Twelve years later, the same pontiff visited Bolsena and spoke from there via television to the 41st International Eucharistic Congress, then concluding its activities in Philadelphia. During his address Pope Paul VI spoke of the Eucharist as being ". . . a mystery great and inexhaustible.” [end]

~ The Novena ~

"A TREASURE OF
188 NOVENA PRAYERS"

The word Novena come from the word "novem" which means "nine." It is a prayer that is said for nine consecutive days. A Novena may be a private or public spiritual devotion for the purpose of obtaining a special favour from heaven, be it a special grace, imploring a favour or to make a special petition.

Click on the title of this article to access the site...

Blessed John Paul II

The Holy Family Cenacle Catholic Prayer Group
celebrates the
Beatification of Pope John Paul II
(May 1, 2011)
Feast of the Divine Mercy

LINKS:

Vatican Calendar of Beatification
Vatican website with the details of the Beatification

Pope Benedict XVI's Homily in English on the Beatification
Here is a Vatican translation of the homily given by Benedict XVI at the beatification Mass of Pope John Paul II.

Tribute Page: A Life in Pictures
The page has 500 photographs and 30 videos, arranged by topics including statistics, his prayers, and biographical information. Each section is a "booklet" of images to flip through online.

In Memory on the anniversary of hi death
Archives, documents, WYD Madrid 2011, videos and more.

Twitter Page

Facebook Page

How are Sunday Gospels selected?

Q: Who decides the readings used at Sunday Mass? Do they differ from country to country? Sometimes the reading begins a story, skips several verses and then continues the story. This puzzles me. What am I missing?

A: Our three-year cycle of Sunday readings uses Matthew in Year A, Mark in Year B and Luke in Year C. The First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2000, begins Year C. The Gospel of John is used each year during the Easter season and during Year B since the Gospel of Mark is shorter than the others.

The Gospel readings are chosen first; Sunday’s first reading is coordinated with it. The second reading is continuous from the previous Sunday, almost always on a different theme.

Weekday Masses have a single cycle of Gospel readings. All four Gospels are used at weekday Masses each year.

The first reading on weekdays is either Year I (odd-numbered years) or Year II (even-numbered years). Weekday readings for Advent and Lent are the same each year.

Although the Lectionary (book of readings) is the same for Roman Catholics worldwide, small differences from country to country exist. For example, Italian Catholics celebrate Epiphany on January 6 while U.S. Catholics celebrate this feast on the first Sunday after January 1.

Some Protestant Churches use the same Lectionary as Roman Catholics use, though translations may vary.

A reading can omit a few verses. This usually provides greater clarity but can raise problems about context.

Source: http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Nov2000/wiseman.asp

Prayers every Catholic should know!!!

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of Thy Womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, His Only Son Our Lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead; on the third day He rose again; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; from thence He shall come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Sprit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

The Angelus

Verse: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,

Response: And She conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee...

Verse: Behold the handmaid of the Lord,

Response: Be it done unto Me, according to Thy Word. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee...

Verse: And the Word was made flesh,

Response: And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee...

Verse: Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
Response: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray:Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the Glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit... (3x)

The Memorare

Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help or sought Thy intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of Virgins, thy Mother.

To Thee I come, before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in Thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

The Hail Holy Queen
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray, O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain whatthey promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven,
especially those who need most of Thy Mercy.

The Sign of the Cross

…in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…

"En el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espiritu Santo, amen"

Do you all know why we make the sign of the Cross just before the Gospel is read?

(The series of three small Crosses traced by the thumb of the right hand -- one small Cross on the forehead, one small Cross on the lips, and one small Cross on the breast -- just before the Gospel reading at Mass.) The sign on the forehead is to show that we believe the Gospel, the sign on the lips is to show that we respect the Gospel and desire to spread the Good News, and the sign on our breast is to show that we love the Gospel and want it kept in our hearts.

When the Sign is Made

Catholics should begin and end their prayers with the Sign of the Cross and should cross themselves when passing a church to honor Jesus in the Tabernacle, upon entering a church, and after receiving Communion. The sign is made, too, in times of trouble or fear (e.g., when receiving bad news, in times of temptation, when hearing an ambulance or fire truck go by), when passing a cemetery or otherwise recalling the dead, when seeing a Crucifix -- any time one wishes to honor and invoke God, or ward away evil, fear, and temptation.

Other Signs of the Cross

There are other signs of the Cross that Catholics make, too. One is made by tracing a small Cross with the thumb of the right hand on people and things. This sign is especially used by parents when blessing children by tracing the sign on the children's foreheads. (The use of "bless" here refers to a parental blessing -- i.e., a prayer for God's grace for a child. Priests alone have the power to bless in the name of the Church and with the power of the Church, to bless liturgically, to bless objects rendering them sacramentals, etc.) Sometimes the sign is traced by the thumb on a book of Sacred Scripture and then kissed before reading. The sign is also carved onto loaves of bread before cutting, etc.

Another sign is the large sign made in the air by bishops and priests when blessing persons or material objects.

Make the Sign of the Cross and make it often! Teach it to your children -- even the tiniest of children. If they're infants, take their hands and make the movements for them! Making the Sign should feel as natural as breathing...

…and someone also said that the devil sits on the table of whoever does not say grace before eating, then eats and drinks there.

The Seven Sorrows of the sufferings of the Mother of Jesus

The Seven Sorrows is a series of meditations on the sufferings of the Mother of Jesus.

1) The Prophesy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus. (Luke 2:35)

2) The Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt. (Matthew 2:13-21)

3) The Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days. (Luke 2:41-51)

4) The Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross. (Luke 23:27-31)

5) Mary Watches Jesus Suffer and Die upon the Cross. (John 19:25-27)

6) Mary Receives the Body of Jesus Taken Down from the Cross. ( Matthew 27:55-61)

7) Mary Watches as the Body of Jesus is Buried in a Tomb. (Luke 23:55-56)

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the source of graces and gifts. The book of Isaiah lists seven sanctifying gifts (Isaiah 11:2-3).

1. Wisdom: The wisdom of God is contrary to the wisdom of the world. The Holy Spirit's gift of wisdom helps us detach from the world and cherish only what is of heaven. This wisdom, used in everyday life, is what separates us from our old, pre-converted ways.
2. Understanding: What don't you understand about a Church teaching or the ways of faith? Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. He will enlighten you and gift you with an understanding that makes sense, sometimes quickly and sometimes gradually, to the extent that it's necessary for your salvation and your work for God's kingdom.
3. Counsel: Are you ever indecisive? Or hesitant and full of doubts about your choices? The Holy Spirit guides us and instructs us so that we can make the right decisions. My favorite prayer for this is, "Lord, open the doors of opportunities in the way I should go, and close all doors that lead elsewhere." And He does!
4. Fortitude: Getting weary from trials? The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural courage to persist and overcome obstacles and difficulties that arise as we follow Jesus in the mission and in our everyday lives.
5. Knowledge: I often wish God would send me a fax that spells out His plans. However, the Holy Spirit is always available to direct us on the paths we should follow, even supernaturally if necessary. He also points out the dangers to avoid and the goals to reach. Listen to the songs, the scriptures, and the people that God puts "coincidentally" into your day. If what they say sounds familiar because the Holy Spirit has already been telling your heart the same thing, trust the message.
6. Piety (godliness): From where does our desire come to embrace a life of holiness or to follow Christ in service and ministry? From the Holy Spirit! We are holy because the Spirit of God is holy.
7. Fear of the Lord: Once we've been converted, respect for God feels instinctive, doesn't it? That's because it's purely a gift from the Holy Spirit. The more enlivened our relationship with the Spirit is, the more we hate sin, and because He is holy and His holiness transforms us

Meet the 4 Archangels !!!

	MICHAEL	GABRIEL	RAPHAEL	URIEL
Name Means	He who is like God	God is my strength	Healer of God	God is my light
Also Known As	Catholic Faith: St. Michael Jewish Faith: Mikha'el Muslim Faith: Mika'il, Mikha'il	Catholic Faith: St. Gabriel Jewish Faith: Gavri'el Muslim Faith: Gibra'il, Jabra'il	Catholic Faith: St. Raphael Jewish Faith: Repha'el Muslim Faith: Israfil	N/A
Angel Of	Courage, Justice, Motivation, Patience	Mercy, Annunciation, Resurrection, Revelation	Love, Joy, Laughter, Healing	Peace, Nature, Spiritual Understanding, Salvation
Symbol	Sword	lily	caduceus	hand holding flame
Other Symbols	Armor, scales, banner with dove dragon	Scepter, lantern, mirror, olive branch, shield, spear, trumpet	Fish, bottle/flask, healing bowl	Staff, (represents spinal column)
Color	blue	white	green	red
Characteristics	Along with Gabriel, he's one of two angels named in the Hebrew Bible, the Protestant and Catholic Bible, and the Qur'an. He is the only angel mentioned as an archangel in the Protestant and Catholic Bible. Strong, ambitious, authoritative, protective, and fearless. Also believed to be the protector of Israel.	Along with Michael, he's one of two angels named in the Hebrew Bible, the Protestant and Catholic Bible, and the Qur'an. Charming, communicative, artistic, diplomatic, and helpful with interpersonal relationships.	Even though Raphael is not mentioned in most major religious texts, he is found in the Book of Tobit, a non-canonical book (apocryphal) included in the Catholic Bible. Gentle, compassionate, skillful, knowledgeable, and conscious of health issues.	The only archangel not found in any main religious texts. Instead, he plays a large role in the Book of Enoch, a non-canonical text (apocryphal) not found in the Protestant or the Catholic Bible. Soothing, wise, generous, and nurturing of the earth's natural resources.
Feast Day	September 29	September 29	September 29	July 28
Cardinal Point	South	West	East	North
Season	Summer	Fall	Spring	Winter
Element	Fire	Water	Air	Earth
Day	Sunday	Monday	Wednesday	Friday
Patron Saint Of	police officers, soldiers, paratroopers, sailors, mariners, security forces, ambulance drivers, bankers, boatmen, paramedics, security guards	Ambassadors, clergy, diplomats, broadcasters, writers, teachers, journalists, telecommunications workers, broadcasters, postal workers	Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, counselors, health inspectors, travelers, blind people, the mentally ill shepherds	Artists, poets, musicians, literature lovers, prophets, ecologists, nature lovers, farmers, scientists
Helps With	protection against danger, temptations, removing fear and doubt, changing careers	public relations, childbirth, adoption, raising children, purification of thoughts	Addiction, protection against nightmares, safety during traveling	protection during natural disasters, solving problems, studying habits

What is a patron saint?

Patron saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of life. These areas can include occupations, illnesses, churches, countries, and causes -- anything that is important to us.

The earliest records show that people and churches were named after apostles and martyrs as early as the fourth century. Recently, the popes have named patron saints but patrons can be chosen by other individuals or groups as well. Patron saints are often chosen today because an interest, talent, or event in their lives overlaps with the special area.

For example, Francis of Assisi loved nature and so he is patron of ecologists. Francis de Sales was a writer and so he is patron of journalists and writers. Clare of Assisi was named patron of television because one Christmas when she was too ill to leave her bed she saw and heard Christmas Mass -- even though it was taking place miles away. Angels can also be named as patron saints. A patron saint can help us when we follow the example of that saint's life and when we ask for that saint's intercessory prayers to God.

· Is there a Feast day for every day of the year?

· Exactly how many saints are there?

· How does the Church choose saints?

· When did the Church start honoring saints?

· Is keeping statues or pictures of saints idolatry?

· Do Catholics pray to saints?

Do you want answers for the questions above?

Visit this site. Click here!

What is a CENACLE?

Another term for the Upper Room, or the site of The Last Supper.

Under Christian tradition, this was the site where the Apostles of Christ received Holy Orders and became His first priests, and where they were praying when the Holy Spirit descended upon them on Pentecost.

The Cenacle was spared during the destruction of Jerusalem under Titus (10 AD) and became the site of the first Christian church. Was later destroyed by Persian invaders and rebuilt by a monk called Modestus. During the Crusades, the building was razed to the ground by Muslims and replaced by the Crusaders with a basilica. Franciscan monks cared for the Cenacle from 1333 to 1552 when the Turks captured Jerusalem and banished all Christians.

The Cenacle then became a mosque and Christians were not allowed to return until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Following a visit by Pope John Paul II, the Israeli government arranged for its ownership to be transferred to the Catholic Church in return for a church in Toledo, Spain which had originally been a synagogue. (www.wikipedia.com)

[French cénacle, from Old French Cenacle, the room where the Last Supper took place, from Latin cēnāculum, dining room, garret, from cēna, meal.]

The Fifteen Promises of Mother Mary to Christians Who Recite the Rosary

I. Whoever shall faithfully serve Me by the recitation of the rosary, shall receive signal graces.

II. I promise My special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.

III. The rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.

IV. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the heart of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.

V. The soul which recommend itself to me by the recitation of the rosary, shall not perish.

VI. Whoever shall recite the rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.

VII. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.

VIII. Those who are faithful to recite the rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise.

IX. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the rosary.

X. The faithful children of the rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.

XI. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the rosary.

XII. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

XIII. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.

XIV. All who recite the rosary are My son, and brothers of My only son Jesus Christ

XV. Devotion of My rosary is a great sign of predestination.

(Given to St. Dominic and Blessed Alan)

Imprimatur: Patrick J. Hayes DD Archbishop of New York