True Story: The “Hail Mary” is a Powerful Prayer

Source: http://www.catholic-convert.com/2011/11/19/a-true-story-the-hail-mary-is-a-powerful-prayer/

The “Hail Mary” of a Protestant is powerful!—( A True Story)

A little six-year-old Protestant boy had often heard his Catholic companion reciting the prayer ‘Hail Mary.’ He liked it so much that he copied it, memorized it and would recite it every day. ‘Look, Mummy, what a beautiful prayer,’ he said to his mother one day. ‘Never again say it,’ answered the mother.’ it is a superstitious prayer of Catholics who adore idols and think Mary a goddess. After all, she is a woman like any other. Come on, take this Bible and read it. It contains everything that we are bound to do and have to do.’

From that day on the little boy discontinued his daily ‘Hail Mary’ and gave himself more time to reading the Bible instead. One day, while reading the Gospel, he came across the passage about the Annunciation of the Angel to Our Lady. Full of joy, the little boy ran to his mother and said: ‘Mummy, I have found the ‘Hail Mary’ in the Bible which says: ‘Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women. ‘ Why do you call it a superstitious prayer?’
On another occasion he found that beautiful Salutation of St. Elizabeth to The Virgin Mary and the wonderful canticle. MAGNIFICAT in which Mary foretold that ‘the generations would call her blessed.’ He said no more about it to his mother but started to recite the ‘Hail Mary’ every day as before. He felt pleasure in addressing those charming words to the Mother of Jesus, our Savior.

To continue reading, click here:
http://www.catholic-convert.com/2011/11/19/a-true-story-the-hail-mary-is-a-powerful-prayer/

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

Jesus Decoded!!!

We’re about to endure an onslaught of publicity about the new Sony film, The Da Vinci Code, a fanciful mystery story that many people are accepting as the Gospel truth about Catholicism. The film is slated for release in the next several weeks. There are two very good resources I can recommend for your Web site. One is www.jesusdecoded.com, a site created by the U.S. bishops to offer some authentic Catholic teaching on the issues the film raises. Another is our own “The Truth About Jesus” feature, which has a number or articles on what Catholics believe about Jesus and St. Mary Magdalene.

John Feister
Editor, AmericanCatholic.org

Doctors of the Church

Doctors of the Church

This is a very special title accorded by the Church to certain saints. This title indicates that the writings and preachings of such a person are useful to Christians "in any age of the Church." Such men and women are also particularly known for the depth of understanding and the orthodoxy of their theological teachings. While the writings of the Doctors are often considered inspired by the Holy Spirit. This does not mean they are infallible, but it does mean that they contributed significantly to the formulation of Christian teaching in at least one area.

Name	Lifespan	Designation
St. Athanasius	296 - 373	1568 by Pius V
St. Ephraem the Syrian	306 - 373	October 5, 1920 by Benedict XV
St. Hilary of Poitiers	315 - 367	May 13, 1851 by Pius IX
St. Cyril of Jerusalem	315 - 386	July 28, 1882 by Leo XIII
St. Gregory of Nazianzus	325 - 389	1568 by Pius V
St. Basil the Great	329 - 379	1568 by Pius V
St. Ambrose	339 - 397	September 20, 1295 by Boniface VIII
St. John Chrysostom	347 - 407	1568 by Pius V
St. Jerome	347 - 419	September 20, 1295 by Boniface XIII
St. Augustine	354 - 430	September 20, 1295 by Boniface XIII
St. Cyril of Alexandria	376 - 444	July 28, 1882 by Leo XIII
St. Peter Chrysologous	400 - 450	February 10, 1729 by Benedict XIII
St. Leo the Great	400 - 461	October 15, 1754 by Benedict XIV
St. Gregory the Great	540 - 604	September 20, 1295 by Boniface XIII
St. Isidore of Seville	560 - 636	April 25, 1722 by Innocent XIII
St. John of Damascus	645 - 749	August 19, 1890 by Leo XIII
St. Bede the Venerable	672 - 735	November 13, 1899 by Leo XIII
St. Peter Damian	1007 - 1072	September 27, 1828 by Leo XII
St. Anselm	1033 - 1109	February 3, 1720 by Clement XI
St. Bernard of Clairvaux	1090 - 1153	August 20, 1830 by Pius VIII
St. Anthony of Padua	1195 - 1231	January 16, 1946 by Pius XII
St. Albert the Great	1206 - 1280	December 16, 1931 by Pius XI
St. Bonaventure	1221 - 1274	March 14, 1588 by Sixtus V
St. Thomas Aquinas	1226 - 1274	April 11, 1567 by Pius V
St. Catherine of Siena	1347 - 1380	October 4, 1970 by Paul VI
St. Teresa of Avila	1515 - 1582	September 27, 1970 by Paul VI
St. Peter Canisius	1521 - 1597	May 21, 1925 by Pius XI
St. John of the Cross	1542 - 1591	August 24, 1926 by Pius XI
St. Robert Bellarmine	1542 - 1621	September 17, 1931 by Pius XI
St. Lawrence of Brindisi	1559 - 1619	March 19, 1959 by John XXIII
St. Francis de Sales	1567 - 1622	November 16, 1871 by Pius IX
St. Alphonsus Ligouri	1696 - 1787	July 7, 1871 by Pius IX
St. Thérèse of Lisieux	1873 - 1897	October 19, 1997 by John Paul II

Source: www.catholic.org

A Great Catholic Resource!!!

Good news!

This Cenacle site has been tagged by St. Blog's Parish as one of the "Great Catholic Resource" site for the year!!! It is an honor to be included in this list, along with some of the best Catholic links the web has to offer. Thank you very much.

To see all the winners of the 2006 Catholic Blog Awards, click here...

God bless!

Pope John Paul II

To read all the transcripts about Pope John Paul II, click here...

Origin of the modern day Cenacles

On May 8, 1972, Father Stefani Gobbi, a priest from Milan, Italy, was taking part in a pilgrimage to Fatima. While praying in the Chapel of Apparitions for some priests who, besides having given up their vocations, were attempting to form an association in rebellion against the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, an interior force urged Father Gobbi to have confidence in the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The first cenacle held in Como, Italy, 1972, consisted of Father Gobbi and three other priests. By September 1973, the first national gathering took place with twenty-five gathering out of the already enrolled 85 priests. The Marian Movement of Priests had succeeded in expanding in a powerful and extra ordinary way.

The purpose of the Cenacle is to pray for our Pope, Bishops and Priests in these very difficult times and for our families, the ill and peace in the world. More information about the purpose for Cenacle can be found on the Marian Movement of Priests website http://mmp-usa.net

Source: http://users.mo-net.com/holyfamily/cenacle.htm

For an additional article about the Marian Movement of Priests, see this link.

The Mystical Stigmata

Mystical Stigmata

To decide merely the facts without deciding whether or not they may be explained by supernatural causes, history tells us that many ecstatics bear on hands, feet, side, or brow the marks of the Passion of Christ with corresponding and intense sufferings. These are called visible stigmata. Others only have the sufferings, without any outward marks, and these phenomena are called invisible stigmata.

Facts

St. Catherine of Siena at first had visible stigmata but through humility she asked that they might be made invisible, and her prayer was heard. This was also the case with St. Catherine de' Ricci, a Florentine Dominican of the sixteenth century, and with several other stigmatics. The sufferings may be considered the essential part of visible stigmata; the substance of this grace consists of pity for Christ, participation in His sufferings, sorrows, and for the same end--the expiation of the sins unceasingly committed in the world. If the sufferings were absent, the wounds would be but an empty symbol, theatrical representation, conducing to pride. If the stigmata really come from God, it would be unworthy of His wisdom to participate in such futility, and to do so by a miracle.

To read more, including the 62 saints or blessed of both sexes who have this, click here...

The Holy Mass

Explanation of the Mass

Introductory Rites

The section of the Mass preceding the Liturgy of the Word that confers a quality of preparation and introduction on the Eucharistic Sacrifice. The intent is that the assembled group unite as a community properly prepared to hear God's Word and celebrate the Eucharist. Includes the following:

Entrance Antiphon Greeting Penitential Rite (Rite of Blessing & Sprinkling) Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy) Gloria (Glory to God) Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

Liturgy of the Word - The major part of the Mass between the Opening Prayer and the preparation of the Gifts during which the Word of God is proclaimed, responded to, authoritatively explained, accepted and held fast, and appealed to. Includes the following:

First Reading Responsorial Psalm Second Reading Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia) Gospel Reading Homily Silence Profession of Faith (Nicene Creed) or (Apostles' Creed - Children Only) General Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful) Church Public Authorities Salvation of the World (Oppressed) Local Community

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The major part of the Mass after the Liturgy of the Word and ending before the Concluding Rite. This part corresponds to the words and actions of Christ at the Last Supper. Christ took bread and the cup, gave thanks, broke, and gave them to His disciples saying: "Take and eat; this is My Body. Take and drink; This is the cup of My Blood. Do this in memory of Me."

Preparation of the Gifts (Presentation) - The priest prepares the altar and the gifts, prays over the bread and wine, and helps the assembly get ready for the tremendous Sacrifice that will take place in an unbloody manner. Includes the following:
Offertory Song Preparation of the Altar Preparation of the Bread Preparation of the Wine Washing of Hands Invitation to Prayer Prayer over the Gifts

Eucharistic Prayer - The center and high point of the Mass that makes Christ present for us in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. During it, the entire assembly joins Christ in acknowledging the works of God and in the offering of Sacrifice. Includes the following: Introductory Dialogue Preface Sanctus Eucharistic Prayer Thanksgiving Acclamation Epiclesis - Ask God to consecrate the Host & Wine Institution - Narrative and Consecration Anamnesis - Command of Christ through the Apostles Offering Intercessions Final Doxology Memorial Acclamation Great Amen

Communion Rite - It is part when God gives a gift to Him. In both cases the gift is the same Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. Includes the following: The Lord's Prayer Rite of Peace (Sign of Peace) Fraction Rite Breaking of the Bread Commingling Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) Personal Prayer Communion Silent Prayer Prayer after Communion

Concluding Rite

Immediately after the Communion Rite, should there be any announcements, these are made, but should be kept brief. Then just as the people were greeted at the beginning of the Mass, so now the presider greets the people again and blesses them in one of three forms, the simple one, or at his discretion a more solemn Blessing, particularly at various seasons or on specific feast days, or a Prayers over the people. Includes the following:

Blessing Dismissal

Source: www.catholic.org

ANGELS IN THE BIBLE

Do you want to find out where ANGELS are mentioned in the Holy Scriptures? Here's a list:

Angels: Bible Concordance

Old Testament references

Cherubim at entrance to Garden of Eden, Genesis 3:24
Appear to Abraham, Genesis 18:1-33
Saved Lot and his family, Genesis 19:1-22
Intervened with Isaac, Genesis 22:11-18
Heavenly vision of Jacob's Ladder, Genesis 28:12
Accompanied Israel through the desert, Exodus 23:20 And Numbers 20:16

Aided the prophets

Isaiah 6:2-7
Ezekiel 1:4-28
Daniel 7:9-10
Zechariah 1:9-19

New Testament references

Appeared in connection with birth of Christ

Matthew 1:20
Luke 1:26-38

Appeared to:

Paul, Acts 27:23
Peter, Acts 12:7-11
Cornelius, Acts 10:3-6
Sadducees didn't believe in angels, Acts 23:8
12 Legions of Angels, Matthew 26:53

Mentioned by name:

Raphael, Tobit 12:15
Michael, Daniel 10:13
Revelation, 12:7
Gabriel, Daniel 8:16
Luke 1:19

Fall of the angels

Deuteronomy 32:17
2 Peter 2:4
Jude 1:6
Revelation 12:7-9

Source: www.catholic.org