Lord Grant Us Saints!

Explosive Gospel: Sunday, Third week in Ordinary Time 2012

2012-01-22T00:49:00.000-06:00

Sunday January 22, 2012

Third Week of Ordinary Time, Cycle B

Almighty ever living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works through our Lord Jesus Christ…

GOSPEL MK 1:14-20

After John had been arrested,

Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:

"This is the time of fulfillment.

The kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent, and believe in the gospel."

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,

he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;

they were fishermen.

Jesus said to them,

"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.

He walked along a little farther

and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They too were in a boat mending their nets.

Then he called them.

So they left their father Zebedee in the boat

along with the hired men and followed him.

THREE MOMENTS

1) A look of love – Meditation and Contemplation – It is the moment to contemplate and meditate on the text. We do this in order to gather the maximum love that Christ, through his Word, wants to give us. Look with love at the Word and the Word will look back at you with love! It reveals to us the infinite love of Jesus for us.

The Gospel of this Sunday is filled with a special joy, “the time of fulfillment is here!” What we have been waiting for has finally come, and I can see Jesus beginning his journey… Oh my, the God of all creation walks our earth and calls simple, poor fishermen to join him as he begins the process of concluding the greatest of all love stories – he wants us with him for always! God is crazy in love with his creatures, and he has finally had enough, he has come to take us home to the Father. Our redemption is had hand. The Savior is here!!

2) The Word challenges – We are confronted by the Word not only in love, but also in the way it enlightens us as to where we must grow or where there may be contradictions in our lives personally or in the community.

Jesus calls his first apostles in the ordinariness of their lives. They are fishing, working, doing what they do everyday to earn a living. Their hearts must have felt something move deep within their souls, something that caused them to do what only lovers will do, leave everything and follow. These simple men, whose lives were settled and in order, left all their worldly possessions and all sense of security! Why, because he called them. Love spoke. Their hearts answered him, not their common sense. The answer was, yes, by the grace of God they answered, yes and followed him unreservedly!

3) The Word gives direction. It is a prophecy in the sense of insight for future action. We are invited in the third moment to apostolic action. It is where the members of the Movement are invited to make a commitment to become prophets of the Gospel that revolutionizes their lives.

The invitation for me is to ponder deeply our God’s insistent love, that has pursued not only those motley fishermen of time past, but he is pursuing me today in my ordinariness. He stirs me to leave any worldly affection that would stop me from following him unreservedly. He calls me daily to put down my nets and join him in being a fisher of my brothers and sisters. He invites me to assist others too, to pay attention to their hearts, to learn to discern his will, and to know and experience his relentless love for them. He is calling us all to let go, run, and leap into arms that have longed to welcome us in love from all eternity. Our God, incarnate loves us with outstretched arms on the cross, and enkindles in all the fire of his love.

Oh Lord, direct my actions to your good pleasure that in the name of your beloved Son, I will persist in seeking others in union with you so that the time of fulfillment will be completed, and we will all be one in your embrace forever in eternity. Amen.

TJM

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Eternal Word made flesh, and our brother.

By His life-death-resurrection

He has not only saved us, but He has made us new.

~Servant of God, William Giaquinta

Sistine Chapel

Jn. 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light,

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light,

but came to testify to the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and the world came to be through him,

but the world did not know him.

He came to what was his own,

but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him

he gave power to become children of God,

to those who believe in his name,

who were born not by natural generation

nor by human choice nor by a man's decision

but of God.

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us,

and we saw his glory,

the glory as of the Father's only Son,

full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying,

"This was he of whom I said,

'The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me

because he existed before me.'"

From his fullness we have all received,

grace in place of grace,

because while the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God.

The only Son, God, who is at the Father's side,

has revealed him.

Christmas Novena Day Nine

2011-12-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Day Nine
With the rising of the sun, you will soon see the King of kings and Lord of lords, coming forth from His Father, as the bridegroom, from His bridal chamber.

Collect: Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary
Jesus, Lamb of God in the womb of Mary Spare us, O Lord.
Jesus, Holy Innocent in the womb of Mary Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Jesus, Son of God and Messiah in the womb of Mary, Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Let us pray:
O Jesus, Eternal Word of the Father,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Out of love for us you chose the poverty of human nature,
death on the cross, and the hiddenness of bread.
Give us your sanctifying Spirit.
Make us meek and humble of heart.
Set us like a seal on your heart and on your arm,
so that your jealous love may shield us and keep us from evil. Amen.
+W. Giaquinta

Christmas Novena Day Eight

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Day Eight
O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: Come to save us, O Lord our God.

Collect: Almighty ever-living God, as we see how the Nativity of your Son according to the flesh draws near, we pray that to us, your unworthy servants, mercy may flow from your Word, who chose to become flesh of the Virgin Mary and establish among us his dwelling, Jesus Christ our Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary
Jesus, Sacrificial Lamb, Docile Infant in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, who was to suffer the agony and passion of death, accepting the human capacity for pain and grief, in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

Christmas Novena Day Seven

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ. The Prayers are from the Mass of the day in the New Roman Missal. Please share your insights if you wish.

Day Seven
O King of the Gentiles and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.

Collect: O God, who, seeing the human race fallen into death, willed to redeem it by the coming of your Only Begotten Son, grant, we pray, that those who confess his Incarnation with humble fervor may merit his company as their Redeemer. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary
Jesus, whose Holy Limbs first budded in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, whose Godhead the world cannot contain, weighing only a few grams in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, Divine Immensity, once measuring only tenths of an inch in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

Christmas Novena Day Six

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ. The Prayers are from the Mass of the day in the New Roman Missal. Please share your insights if you wish.

Day Six
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice; come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Notre Dame de Paris

Collect: Hear in kindness, Lord, the prayers of your people, that those who rejoice at the coming of your Only Begotten Son in our flesh may, when at last he comes in glory, gain the reward of eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who loves and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary
Jesus, everlasting delight of heaven, in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, Eternal Word, Divine Child, embraced by the Father, in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, in whom the very angels beheld the humanity of the Infant God and the union of the two natures of the Word in the virginal womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

Christmas Novena Day Five

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Day Five
O Key of David, and Sceptre of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Pope Benedict XVI praying at the Grotto of the Annunciation

Collect: O God, eternal majesty, whose ineffable Word the immaculate Virgin received through the message of an Angel and so became the dwelling-place of divinity, filled with the light of the Holy Spirit, grant, we pray, that by her example we may in humility hold fast to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary
Jesus, manifesting His Incarnation to His Holy Mother, in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

Jesus, adored and contemplated by His Mother in the sanctuary of her womb Jesus, before whom the angels prostrated themselves, in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, raising His Mother to the heights of sanctification, in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

Christmas Novena Day Four

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Day Four
O Root of Jesse, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.

Collect: O God, who through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world, grant, we pray, that we may venerate with integrity of faith the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation and always celebrate it with due reverence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary

Jesus, revealing with His Father and the Holy Spirit all wisdom and knowledge to His Most Holy Mother, in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, aware of His role as Redeemer in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, Sanctifier of His Precursor from the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

Christmas Novena Day Three

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Day Three
O Lord and Ruler of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

Collect: Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary
Jesus, hidden nine months in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, begotten by God, nourished by the substance and blood of His Most Holy Mother in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, leaping from eternity into time, in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

Christmas Novena Day Two

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ. The Prayers are from the Mass of the day taken from the New Roman Missal. Please share your insights if you wish.

Day Two

O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly, Come, and teach us the way of prudence.

Collect: O God, Creator and Redeemer of human nature, who willed that your Word should take flesh in an ever-virgin womb, look with favor on our prayers, that your Only Begotten Son, having taken to himself our humanity, may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany to Jesus in the Womb of Mary
Jesus, word made flesh, taking on a human body in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, subject to human development in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, whose Precious Blood first flowed through tiny arteries and veins in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

Christmas Novena Day One

2011-12-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas Novena 2011

Church of Visitation, Ein Kerem

Day One

Behold, the King will come, the Lord of the earth, and He will remove from us the yoke of our captivity.

Collect: May your grace, almighty God, always go before us and follow after, so that we, who await with heartfelt desire the coming of your Only Begotten Son, may receive your help both now and in the life to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Litany of Jesus in the Womb of Mary

Jesus, knit so wonderfully in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, uniquely human from the moment of conception in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!
Jesus, present at creation, created in the womb of Mary, have mercy on us!

All Saints Day Novena 2011 Day 9

2011-10-30T22:14:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving and Praise

2637 Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is. Indeed, in the work of salvation, Christ sets creation free from sin and death to consecrate it anew and make it return to the Father, for his glory. The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participates in that of their Head.

2638 As in the prayer of petition, every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving. The letters of St. Paul often begin and end with thanksgiving, and the Lord Jesus is always present in it: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"; "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."120

2639 Praise is the form of prayer which recognizes most immediately that God is God. It lauds God for his own sake and gives him glory, quite beyond what he does, but simply because HE IS. It shares in the blessed happiness of the pure of heart who love God in faith before seeing him in glory. By praise, the Spirit is joined to our spirits to bear witness that we are children of God,121 testifying to the only Son in whom we are adopted and by whom we glorify the Father. Praise embraces the other forms of prayer and carries them toward him who is its source and goal: the "one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist."122

Reason Nine To offer thanksgiving and praise

Jesus teach us that our hearts should overflow with thanksgiving and praise. You have created all and redeemed all for our joy and for our benefit. There is nothing good in this world that does not come from your hand and you have given no less than everything that we might know you, love you and remain with you forever. We join with all the angels and saints in thanksgiving and praise.

All Saints Day Novena 2011 Day 8

2011-10-30T00:03:00.000-05:00

Intercession

2634 Intercession is a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did. He is the one intercessor with the Father on behalf of all men, especially sinners.112 He is "able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."113 The Holy Spirit "himself intercedes for us . . . and intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."114

2635 Since Abraham, intercession - asking on behalf of another has been characteristic of a heart attuned to God's mercy. In the age of the Church, Christian intercession participates in Christ's, as an expression of the communion of saints. In intercession, he who prays looks "not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others," even to the point of praying for those who do him harm.115

2636 The first Christian communities lived this form of fellowship intensely.116 Thus the Apostle Paul gives them a share in his ministry of preaching the Gospel117 but also intercedes for them.118 The intercession of Christians recognizes no boundaries: "for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions," for persecutors, for the salvation of those who reject the Gospel.119

Reason Eight to intercede for others

Dear Jesus remind me to constantly pray for others because we are all in such need of your love and healing

All Saints Day Novena 2011 Day 7

2011-10-28T23:45:00.000-05:00

Petition

2631 The first movement of the prayer of petition is asking forgiveness, like the tax collector in the parable: "God, be merciful to me a sinner!"105 It is a prerequisite for righteous and pure prayer. A trusting humility brings us back into the light of communion between the Father and his Son Jesus Christ and with one another, so that "we receive from him whatever we ask."106 Asking forgiveness is the prerequisite for both the Eucharistic liturgy and personal prayer.

2632 Christian petition is centered on the desire and search for the Kingdom to come, in keeping with the teaching of Christ.107 There is a hierarchy in these petitions: we pray first for the Kingdom, then for what is necessary to welcome it and cooperate with its coming. This collaboration with the mission of Christ and the Holy Spirit, which is now that of the Church, is the object of the prayer of the apostolic community.108 It is the prayer of Paul, the apostle par excellence, which reveals to us how the divine solicitude for all the churches ought to inspire Christian prayer.109 By prayer every baptized person works for the coming of the Kingdom.

2633 When we share in God's saving love, we understand that every need can become the object of petition. Christ, who assumed all things in order to redeem all things, is glorified by what we ask the Father in his name.110 It is with this confidence that St. James and St. Paul exhort us to pray at all times.111

Reason Seven to ask for what I need. Jesus, help me to know that I can come to you to ask for the things that I need, first and foremost forgiveness for my sins, secondly for the coming of the kingdom and lastly for my daily needs knowing in confidence that You will grant what is best for me in accordance with Your will.

All Saints Day Novena 2011 Day 6

2011-10-27T21:17:00.000-05:00

Adoration

2628 Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us99 and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the "King of Glory,"100 respectful silence in the presence of the "ever greater" God.101 Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications.

Reason Six to adore our creator and our savior

Dear King of Glory, teach me to adore you as I should, coming before you in humility

All Saints Day Novena 2011 Day 5

2011-10-26T23:55:00.000-05:00

Mary Prays

2617 Mary's prayer is revealed to us at the dawning of the fullness of time. Before the incarnation of the Son of God, and before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, her prayer cooperates in a unique way with the Father's plan of loving kindness: at the Annunciation, for Christ's conception; at Pentecost, for the formation of the Church, his Body.88 In the faith of his humble handmaid, the Gift of God found the acceptance he had awaited from the beginning of time. She whom the Almighty made "full of grace" responds by offering her whole being: "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be [done] to me according to your word." "Fiat": this is Christian prayer: to be wholly God's, because he is wholly ours.

Reason Five: Because Mary prayed. Mary, please show us as our completely human model of trust we must also follow your example of constant prayer, and teach us to treasure things in our heart as you did. In doing so we will grow in faithfulness through your example. Thank you for being such a model for us.

All Saints Day Novena 2011 Day 4

2011-10-26T00:18:00.000-05:00

Jesus Prays

2600 The Gospel according to St. Luke emphasizes the action of the Holy Spirit and the meaning of prayer in Christ's ministry. Jesus prays before the decisive moments of his mission: before his Father's witness to him during his baptism and Transfiguration, and before his own fulfillment of the Father's plan of love by his Passion.43 He also prays before the decisive moments involving the mission of his apostles: at his election and call of the Twelve, before Peter's confession of him as "the Christ of God," and again that the faith of the chief of the Apostles may not fail when tempted.44 Jesus' prayer before the events of salvation that the Father has asked him to fulfill is a humble and trusting commitment of his human will to the loving will of the Father.

Reason Four: Because Jesus Himself prays. Jesus please teach us that if You Yourself being God incarnate, prayed, then as your followers to both imitate and learn from you we must also pray

All Saints Novena 2011 Day 3

2011-10-24T21:42:00.000-05:00

Day Three: Prayer is also our response in faith to God

2561 "You would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."9 Paradoxically our prayer of petition is a response to the plea of the living God: "They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water!"10 Prayer is the response of faith to the free promise of salvation and also a response of love to the thirst of the only Son of God.11

Reason three to respond in faith and love to the infinite gift of salvation:

Jesus please help me to respond to the many gifts you have given me, most importantly to the gift of eternal life.

All Saints Novena 2011 Day 1-2

2011-10-23T19:54:00.000-05:00

All Saints Day Novena 2011

Why Pray? This is Pro Sanctity’s theme for the year, and for our Novena we will be pondering this question through the writings in the Catechism

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes prayer in the following way:

2558 "Great is the mystery of the faith!" The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles' Creed (Part One) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (Part Three). This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer.

I had never read this paragraph until I started preparing for this novena. The simplicity and the directness of it captures my heart. Prayer doesn’t seem so unattainable and far off when we think of it as “a vital and personal relationship”. From this description prayer should be as natural to us as relating to our closest friend.

Reason One To learn that prayer is a relationship and not a task: Jesus, please teach me that prayer is a relationship and not a duty. Please increase my desire to be close to you.

Prayer is God’s gift

2560 "If you knew the gift of God!"7 The wonder of prayer is revealed beside the well where we come seeking water: there, Christ comes to meet every human being. It is he who first seeks us and asks us for a drink. Jesus thirsts; his asking arises from the depths of God's desire for us. Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of God's thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for him.8

Reason Two, to more fully appreciate the gift of our relationship: Jesus please teach me that in the gift of this relationship the desire is mutual and in fact your desire is greater than my own. Help me to spend time today lost in the wonder of this thought.

Join us!

2011-10-14T09:47:00.001-05:00

The Blue Team meeting will be on Friday, October 21^st for a Pot Luck Lunch meeting – 12:00 noon at the Pro Sanctity Retreat Center!

We are gathering cost quotes and planning notes for the North Hill outside the New Barn preparation and we need info of who wants to donate time, labor, plants, ect. for the hill, also a time line needs to be put together.

In addition, we also will plan a Camp Alumni Mother/ Daughter Spring Day of Prayer and Little Flowers for Our Lady…or something like that!

Our Lady’ Garden Hill and Camp Alumni Retreat will grow very well together!

Teresa and Team

PS – Come out to paint New Barn Rooms! Yes, we are at the painting stage today! Join us today, October 14, 2011 or tomorrow! Come anytime!

Praise God - our Founder's desire is unfolding!

2011-10-12T00:33:00.000-05:00

My Mother, My Confidence!
October 12, 2011

* We just had our first official Pro Sanctity School of Formation 2011
(we have two sessions, one in the evening at Cooperative, Daphne Patil's and
one in the morning at Cooperative, Kay Parlor's).

* At Daphne's there was a full house - such good representation of
ages attending, men and women, committed members and friends of the Movement
too. It was a delight to hear many of them voice their reason for coming was
to be more involved with Pro Sanctity and go deeper into what it means to be
a member. It was a divine experience!

* We started the evening with the sharing of graces which we have
discovered is one of the MOST important skill every member must learn how to
do, and every leader find ways to encourage - it literally changes the group
from a simple study group to a dynamic, Christ centered, Spirit led,
apostolic centered group! Participants listen more deeply and the leader
does not have to work so hard to keep the group going. The sharing of a
grace at the end of the day has become a daily habit for the Oblates in the
Bethany and Pro Sanctity Members in their homes, we have taught co-workers
in the Archdiocese of Omaha too, and we encouraging it in all our groups and
retreats, and at the level of the diocesan offices. What a tremendous growth
in communion and unity we are experiencing in our working together!

* The evening had a combination of teaching the tools of interiority,
this first session we used the tool of the Explosive Gospel (and will be
used every session) and introduced the method of contemplative study. Next
we deepened the Founder's first point of the creed. At the conclusion we
shared the encouragements for apostolic action, fruit of the Explosive
Gospel.

* Jessi Kary, our National Director did a great job and everyone
participated so well. Soon there will be more leaders as these sessions
continue; this is very obvious in the membership attending! Our Founder must
be pleased!!! We can't wait until we offer it in all our Centers. As you
know it is a 3 year program, in sessions of 6.

* We have a lovely binder that holds the outlines, writings of our
Founder, and the excerpts from the Church documents, along with material for
many of the means we use to assist the participants to receive the
information both in the head and the heart. The final goal is to point them
to apostolic action and resources on this too will be included.

* Thanks for the prayers, keep praying too! Tomorrow will start the
next group that will meet in the morning and then Jessi will go on to Sioux
Falls where she and her team along with two priest leaders (Fr. Scott and
Fr. Jeff) will carry on two more groups. California and New York will be
next!

Pure grace and a dream come true! It was fantastic, and of course we thank
our Lady for taking care of the details, and our Founder for his
intercession!

Blessings and peace, Teresa

-----------------------------------------------
Thought for the day ... G. Giaquinta
There can only be a universal call to holiness in as much as there is an
individual call - a call of each person to holiness (Servant of God, Bishop
Giaquinta).

USA NATIONAL PRO SANCTITY CENTER
11002 N. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE 68022
psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670

www.prosanctity.org <http://www.prosanctity.org/>

BLOG: http://prosanctity.blogspot.com/

Convention 2011 Countdown - July 22-24, 2011

2011-07-23T00:10:00.001-05:00

Love is Fire!

Pro Sanctity National Convention - July 29-31, 2011

Join us in a countdown of prayer and reflection for the Convention from July 1-29, 2011

Donami un cuore che bruci, (Give me a heart that burns…) G. Giaquinta

July 22, 2011 – St. Therese

Since Jesus has gone to heaven I can follow Him only by traces He has left. But how radiant and how fragrant these traces are! I have only to glance at the Holy gospels and at once I breathe the fragrance of His life and know which way to run. I rush to the lowest place, not the highest, and repeat with the greatest confidence, the humble prayer of the publican. Above all I imitate Mary Magdalene for her amazing and loving audacity which won the heart of Jesus and captivates mine.

St. Therese and Mary Magdalene, our love was fire in your hearts for Jesus and all people! Pray for us!

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ….

***************

July 23, 2011 – Msgr. Vaccari

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
The first night might have brought a kind of numbness, after seeing all the agony and suffering that Jesus went through, and after watching him hang there on the cross. The morning of the Sabbath was perhaps the first Sabbath in a long time on which they did not see Him. They had become so used to praying with him and hearing him explain the Scriptures, that it might not have even seemed like the Sabbath to them, except that they observed the laws, as he would have wanted them to do. And on that Sunday morning, when the reality of his death and departure was sinking in more and more, Mary went to the tomb expecting to find his body there.

What a shock to find he was missing and then what joy to hear him call her name, and to recognize him and his voice! Her heart was filled with great delight because the Lord spoke personally and tenderly to her. As for Mary, if we seek him we will find him. And our hearts are filled with joy too, knowing that he speaks personally and tenderly to each one of us, calling us by name with great love!

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ….

******************

July 24, 2011 – Teresa Monaghen

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Many times I have gone to the garden with Mary Magdalene in my prayerful imagination. I have cried with her over loss of a loved one and mourned with her in deep regret for my sins that may have caused hurt in someone else. Every time I pray this way, Mary and I discover the Lord. He is there in our loss and in our sorrow. He comes forward surprises the heck out of us and then holds us in a brief embrace. Our hearts speak loudly, “Here is our Lord, Savior and friend! He is risen!” He reminds us both, “Did I not tell you that my joy will be yours and your joy will be full? Let go of me now and go tell the others you have seen me, your Lord, Savior and friend.”

Oh Lord, my heart is filled to overflowing with love and gratitude for this scene that lives in my heart. Amen.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ….

Convention 2011 Countdown - July 21, 2011

2011-07-22T01:27:00.001-05:00

Love is Fire!

Pro Sanctity National Convention - July 29-31, 2011

Join us in a countdown of prayer and reflection for the Convention from July 1-29, 2011

Donami un cuore che bruci, (Give me a heart that burns…) G. Giaquinta

July 21, 2011 – Pope Benedict XVI

In the religious history of ancient Israel, great importance was given to the prophets, to their teaching and their preaching. Among them, there emerges the figure of Elijah, who was raised up by God in order to lead the people to conversion. His name means "the Lord is my God," and it is in accord with this name that his life unfolds -- [a life] totally consecrated to bringing about in the people the acknowledgement of the Lord as the one God. Sirach says of Elijah: "Then the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch" (Sirach 48:1). By this flame, Israel rediscovers its way to God.

Oh Lord, may we receive the word like a torch and by this flame follow our way to you! Amen.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ….

***************

Convention 2011 Countdown - July 15-17, 2011

2011-07-16T00:33:00.001-05:00

Love is Fire!

Pro Sanctity National Convention - July 29-31, 2011

Join us in a countdown of prayer and reflection for the Convention from July 1-29, 2011

July 15, 2011 – Msgr. Andrew Vaccari

Donami un cuore che bruci, (Give me a heart that burns…) G. Giaquinta

St. John of the Cross speaks of the living flame of love. This is the flame that burned in the bush on the mountain. It is the same flame that burns in the heart of us all and the same flame that burns forever in the heart of God!

Donami un cuore che bruci, wrote Bishop Giaquinta. A fire consumes what it unites with - but the fire of God's love does not destroy! I ask during this Countdown to the Convention for a heart that is united with the heart of Jesus, and a heart that is burning with Love for the Lord and for his people.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ….

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July 16, 2011 – Teresa Monaghen

(John 1:40) Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.

The noun "apostle" (apostolos) derives from the Greek verb apotello, which means "to send" (Barbara Reid, O.P.). Andrew is one of the first apostles, but before he was sent, he first spent time with the Sender, he spent time with Jesus. He followed Jesus. He stayed with him, listened to him, learned from him and let his heart be completely taken by him! As soon as he met Jesus, he ran to tell his brother and brought him to Jesus. This is just like best friends who share everything with each other. When they experience something good or bad, they can hardly wait to share it with the other. This was Andrew's experience with his brother, and then he and his brother, together, developed a most intimate and powerful, life changing friendship with Jesus. My thought is that Jesus did not have to work very hard to send these two. They could hardly contain themselves in the beginning; imagine how eager they must have been after a little formation time with Jesus. They were ready to go and enflame the world with the truth and light of Jesus Christ, their beloved!

St. Andrew, pray for us.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ….

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July 17, 2011 – Msgr. Andrew Vaccari

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14)

When I was a child I was sometimes fearful of dark place. I never knew what might jump out or who might be hiding there. St. John tells us in the prologue to his Gospel that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. Christ is the light, the light of the whole world. He faced the darkness of the world and it ran away. He was not afraid of the darkness, or at least he did not let his fear take over him. Now, he wants his disciples to be the light of the world, to face the evil in the world and to bring his light to overpower it. Lord, help me not to be afraid of the dark of this world. I know you are the true light and with you near, the darkness will never conquer.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ….

*************

Convention 2011 Countdown - July 12-13, 2011

2011-07-13T23:33:00.002-05:00

Love is Fire!

Pro Sanctity National Convention - July 29-31, 2011

Join us in a countdown of prayer and reflection for the Convention from July 1-29, 2011

Registration is still open! There is still room for you!

USA NATIONAL PRO SANCTITY CENTER **11002 N. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE
68022 ** psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670** http://www.prosanctity.org/**

July 12, 2011 - Teresa M

"But love does such things" (From "The Lord" by Romano Guardini)
"Let us consider carefully what this means: that the everlasting, infinite
creator not only reigns over or in the world but, at a specific "moment,"
crossed an unimaginable borderline and personally entered into
history...Once at this point a friend gave me a clue that helped my
understanding more than any measure of bare reason. He said, "But love does
such things!"

Joseph stoutly convinced that he must divorce Mary, takes a nap, wakes up,
and in a bizarre manner of action for this quiet man, changes his mind and
takes her as his wife. Unbelievably the young, inexplicably pregnant Mary
goes in haste into the hill country to assist her cousin Elizabeth, who is
also unexplainably pregnant!

All this started when God unaccountably, but at a designated time, breaks
out of heaven and comes to earth born of a woman that we might love him.
Oh my, such strange behavior for the God of the entire universe, yet as
Romano Guardini highlights, "love does such things."
Love has no boundaries and does not care if it makes sense or not! God is
love and love cannot be contained, it must be expressed sensibly or
insensibly it matters not!

Oh Lord, may I cease from hesitation or from what seems to be limitations,
restrictions or norms, may I love in the same strange and unaccountable ways
as you have modeled, not resisting love in any manner because of human
norms. Your ways, O Lord, are filled with puzzles, but since Love does such
things and then I too must be love! Amen!

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
***************

July 13, 2011 - Msgr. Andrew Vaccari

"When they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

From the first breath Jesus took, his life was marked by contradictions. There was no room for him at the inn in Bethlehem, where the people were crowding the available space. They rejected him, even they did not know who he was. By contrast, his mother Mary gave him loving care and was so devoted to him, even with what seems to be a simple gesture, such as wrapping him in swaddling clothes. She loved her own but loved us all in him.

Dear Mary, you were so tender toward him, with a loving mother's heart. I too want this heart, without the distractions of busy-ness. Mary, you brought Jesus into the world - fulfilling the Father's plan. I too wish to bring Jesus to the world, fulfilling what the Father has in store for me.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....

***********

July 14, 2011 - Blessed Guerric of Igny
Blessed Guerric of Igny (around 1080-1157), Cistercian abbot Sermon 1 on Saint John the Baptist, §2

"John testified to the truth... He was the lamp, set aflame and burning
bright." (Jn 5:33.35)

This lamp, which is destined to give light to the world, brings me a new joy, for thanks to it, I recognized the true Light which shines in the darkness, but which the darkness did not accept (Jn 1:5)... We can admire
you, John, who are the greatest of all the saints; but it is impossible for us to imitate your sanctity. Since you hasten to prepare for the Lord a perfect people with publicans and sinners, it is extremely urgent that you
speak to them in a way that is more accessible to them than your life. Offer them a model of perfection that is not only your way of living, but that is adapted to the weakness of human strength. "Give some evidence that
you mean to reform." (Mt 3:8)

But we, Brothers, we take pride in speaking better than we live. John however, whose life is more sublime than what human beings can understand, makes his language available to their understanding. He says: "Give some evidence that you mean to reform." "I am speaking to you in a human way because of the weakness of the flesh. If you cannot yet entirely do good, may there be in you at least a true desire to reform from what is bad. If you cannot yet give evidence of perfect righteousness, may your perfection at present consist in giving evidence of behavior that shows that you desire to reform."

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
*************

Convention 2011 Countdown - July 11, 2011

2011-07-12T00:18:00.001-05:00

Love is Fire!
Pro Sanctity National Convention - July 29-31, 2011
Join us in a countdown of prayer and reflection for the Convention from
July 1-29, 2011

Registration is still open! There is still room for you!

USA NATIONAL PRO SANCTITY CENTER **11002 N. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE
68022 ** psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670** www.prosanctity.org**

GO TO THE WEB SITE AND SIGN UP FOR THE CONVENTION - COME ONE DAY OR THE
WHOLE WEEKEND!

PRO SANCTITY BLOG: http://prosanctity.blogspot.com/

July 11, 2011 - Joan Kash

Leviticus 6:12

The fire on the altar must be kept burning, it must not go out

Who among us in the United States during the month of July doesn't see
fireworks at least once if not multiple times? They are bright, they are
beautiful and they bring pleasure to the eye and patriotism into the heart.
As I was reflecting on Love Is Fire during recent weeks I thought that this
is a good example of what this phrase means, to be bright and beautiful.

On further examination, however, it occurred to me in the light of the verse
from Leviticus, although fireworks are indeed bright and beautiful, they
also go out very quickly, within a matter of seconds. How much more
lasting, infinitely so, as the source of this love is, should our love for
Christ be, and our desire to spread that love to others. How to keep the
fire continuous rather than momentary is our challenge, how to be so much in
love with the One in Whom we believe that lasting forever is the only option
we should be satisfied with.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
***************

Convention 2011 Countdown - July 7-9, 2011

2011-07-07T23:38:00.001-05:00

Love is Fire!
Pro Sanctity National Convention - July 29-31, 2011
Join us in a countdown of prayer and reflection for the Convention from
July 1-29, 2011
Registration is still open! There is still room for you!

USA NATIONAL PRO SANCTITY CENTER **11002 N. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE
68022 ** psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670** http://www.prosanctity.org/**
GO TO THE WEB SITE AND SIGN UP FOR THE CONVENTION - COME ONE DAY OR THE
WHOLE WEEKEND!

PRO SANCTITY BLOG: http://prosanctity.blogspot.com/
July 7, 2011 - Catherine Doherty
We must be a flame in the darkness, a lamp to our neighbor's feet, a place
where he can warm himself, a place where he can see the face of God. It is to love,
to burn, that we have come together! Our life is senseless if we are here
for any other reason than loving utterly passionately, completely. The
very word "love" implies sacrifice and surrender.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
***************
July 8, 2011 - Msgr. Andrew Vaccari - Master of Ceremonies for the Convention!

The fire of the Holy Spirit came to the early church and transformed
the disciples. Fire has a way of changing things - a fire burning can
destroy, a fire burning can warm. Bishop Sheen used to say that fire had
two qualities: heat and light. The heat was the zeal, the light was the
truth. We need both to evangelize and spread the good news. We have the
truth in the Gospels, in the Church and in the sacraments. The zeal is
sometimes lessened, though, with the weariness of the struggle and the turns
and hills in the road. The fire of the Holy Spirit needs to be renewed each
day, to keep the fire of love burning brightly.

Mary, you received the Holy Spirit with the disciples. You guided them by
your knowledge of Jesus, and by showing them or reminding them how he would
act. You know him better than anyone because your heart is so pure and
there is nothing in you that will block your love for him. May the fire of
the Holy Spirit burn away the impurities of my heart so I may love him the
way you do!

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
***********
July 9, 2011 - Msgr. Andrew Vaccari
"Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and
opened the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24: 13-35

The disciples eagerly listened to the stranger who was with
them, and speaking to them... They did not realize who he was at first but
they later knew it was the Lord himself. He spoke to them and their hearts
came alive, hoping that he would speak longer and stay longer with them.

Lord Jesus, raise up for us again a good and holy priests and lay leaders,
men and women who will follow the example of the holy saints and proclaim
the word of the Lord with fire and love. May I too be filled with love for
the sacred word and speak of it with conviction and zeal!

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
*************

Convention 2011 Countdown - July 4-6, 2011

2011-07-04T16:28:00.001-05:00

Love is Fire!
Pro Sanctity National Convention - July 29-31, 2011
Join us in a countdown of prayer and reflection for the Convention from
July 1-29, 2011

USA NATIONAL PRO SANCTITY CENTER **11002 N. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE
68022 ** psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670** www.prosanctity.org**

GO TO THE WEB SITE AND SIGN UP FOR THE CONVENTION - COME ONE DAY OR THE
WHOLE WEEKEND!

PRO SANCTITY BLOG: http://prosanctity.blogspot.com/

July 4, 2011 - Linda Chilcott

"Bearer-of-Fire, kindle in us a longing for the fire that overpowers our
misery and becomes ablaze consuming the whole world..."

This past October, we realized, like we may have never before, that fire is
an extremely powerful force. It changes everything it touches. Is it any
wonder our founder would liken our Lord to a
Bearer-of-Fire? Initially we may hesitate to come near because we know we
will be forever changed. Our misery is not particularly useful, but it is
ours, it is familiar, and sometimes we feel like we have a right to just
wallow in it. Our Savior, however, wants so much more for us.
Our founder seemed to have a personal knowledge of both the gentleness of
Christ and this hesitancy of our human nature. He requests that our Savior
kindle in us a longing for the fire. Just starting with sparks that we
might be drawn into not just a lack of resistance, but a longing for that
fire that will overpower our misery and change us forever.
As the spark becomes a flame, Jesus empowers us to bring that life-giving
light to the world. We may not see our own flame, but it is there, touching
each person He brings into our path. One by one, Jesus uses the flame He's
given us to set the world ablaze.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
***************

July 5, 2011 - Rosemary Darmstadt

"...The Heart of Jesus, the human Heart of Jesus, burns with the love
with which it is overflowing. This love of his is love for the Eternal
Father and love for men - the Father's adopted daughters and sons."
"A burning furnace dies down little by little. The Heart of Jesus, on
the contrary, is an unquenchable furnace. In this way, it is like the
'burning bush' of the Book of Exodus, in which God revealed himself to
Moses. The bush that burned with flame, but... 'was not consumed.' (Exodus
3:2)"
"Indeed the love that burns in the Heart of Jesus is more than anything
else the Holy Spirit himself through whom the Son of God unites himself
eternally to the Father. The Heart of Jesus, the human heart of God made
man, is set on fire by the 'living flame' of the love of the Trinity which
is never extinguished."
" The Heart of Jesus is this 'furnace burning with charity'. Whilst the
furnace burns, it gives light to the darkness of the night and warms the
bodies of frostbitten travelers."

(From John Paul II, Angelus, June 23, 1985)

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
***********

July 6, 2011 - Kris Woods

Zechariah 2:9 "But I will be for [Jerusalem] an encircling wall of fire,
says the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst."

This encircling wall of fire brings a feeling of safety and security to us
as well as a bright light that intrigues us and draws our attention to the
glory of God. The splendorous glory of God draws our focus on what is truly
important:

God is present in our midst. We need not fear because our God is in our
midst and is an encircling wall of fire.
God's glory and love surround us. What more could we possible need?

Dear God, Fiery Protector and Glorious Presence, help us to fully rely on
You for all that we need. Amen.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
*************

Convention 2011 Countdown - First three days July 1-3

2011-07-01T22:23:00.000-05:00

GO TO THE WEB SITE AND SIGN UP FOR THE CONVENTION - COME ONE DAY OR THE
WHOLE WEEKEND!

PRO SANCTITY BLOG: http://prosanctity.blogspot.com/

July 1, 2011 - Several authors

The Pro Sanctity National Convention is a precious moment in the life of
every member and friend of the Pro Sanctity Movement. It is a time for
experiencing the renewing power of God's forgiving and reconciling love and
starting afresh our journey of interiority for mission.

We are tired of mediocrity, indifference, lukwarmness! We want to be
on fire, to live life fully, to be renewed in Christ. How? If we live and
bear witness to faith, hope and love in a fuller and more conscious way, we
will be running on the way of the Lord and make a difference in the world!

Faith:
Helps us discover the signs of God's loving
presence in creation, in people, in the events of history and above all in
the work and message of Christ.
Hope:
It frees us from mere repetition and gives
us the real meaning of the eternal wedding feast. Through hope, Christians
bear witness to the fact that beyond all evil and beyond every limit,
history bears within itself a seed of good which the Lord will cause to
germinate in its fullness.
Charity:
Through charity, Christians make visible
God's love for humans revealed in Christ, and make manifest Christ's
presence in the world to the close of the age. For Christians charity is the
prolongation of the presence of Christ who gives Himself. We are invited to
make gestures of charity, to do many generous works of charity in favor of
the brothers and sisters who are in need of help. In pro- claiming and
living the Gospel of charity we are not alone, Jesus is with us, "I am with
you always, to the close of age". Jesus invites us to return to the Father
who is waiting for us with open arms to transform us into living and
effective signs of His merciful love.

May Mary be the bright star on our journey in the new millennium.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
***************

July 2, 2011 - Margie Nelsen

1 Peter 1:7 - "the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that
is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory,
and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Right now, gold is at an all time high in value. It seems that the
faithfulness of Pro Sanctity members has also risen to an all time high
since the Barn Fire in October. The outpouring of love, well wishes and
gifts has strengthened the hope for even better ways to glorify the Lord
through the mission of the Universal Call to Holiness. It is exciting that
we have the opportunity to meet with Pro Sanctity members from all over the
world in July to spread our hope and nurture our souls with the food our
fine speakers will offer us. Dear Lord, please bless all our dedicated
members and speakers with health and hope. Bless our Convention so that we
may be a joyful expression of praise, glory and honor in your Holy Name.
Amen.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
***********

July 3, 2011 - Msgr. Andrew Vaccari

The Sacred Heart - Filled with the fire that brings light to our souls!
"What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light."
You do speak in darkness, Lord. In the silence of the heart, you speak with
fervor and love. You reveal what you want me to know, and you share graces
with me not just for me, but so that I may share them with others. It is
comforting to know, Jesus that you speak in the darkness. The darkness can
be so fearful and so empty, it can be so silent, so terrifyingly silent,
that I want to avoid it. In the darkness of loneliness, in the darkness of
the soul, in the darkness of my sins, you are there speaking to me. You are
the light that shines in the darkness and your light is meant for all to
see. I have kept away from the darkness, Lord, because I prefer the light.
I look to find you in the light, but you are also in the shadows.

In these words, Lord, I learn that your heart is one that does not abandon
me in my darkness. I may turn a deaf ear to you, I may turn my back on you,
I may mock you and abandon you by my sins, but you continue to speak to me.
Give me a heart like yours, Jesus, so I do not leave you when all seems
black. Give me a heart like yours so I will stay with others when they are
in their darkness, too.

PAUSE AND PRAY IN REPONSE TO WHAT YOU HAVE READ....
*************

Watch for tonight the countdown for the Convention begins!

2011-07-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

O Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, we ask Your blessing on all the organizers, speakers and all those who will attend this convention, especially those traveling. Bishop Giaquinta, pray for us.

PRAYER FOR THE 2011 PRO SANCTITY NATIONAL CONVENTION

July 29 - 31, 2011

Schuyler, NE

Pray this prayer daily:

Lord, we gather here docile to your command.

We trust that you are in our midst, just as you promised.

Divine Master, enlighten our minds that we may begin to understand your mysteries and radiate them throughout the world.

Bearer-of-Fire, kindle in us a longing for the fire that overpowers our misery and becomes ablaze consuming the whole earth. . .

We wish to become holy, to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of souls, so that with them, in You, we may be consumed in the love of the Father and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bishop William Giaquinta

Pro Sanctity National Convention 2011 - Sign up now!

2011-06-30T13:14:00.001-05:00

Love is Fire!

“We want to be a flame and bring the fire to others so that they, too, may burn with love.” +Bishop William Giaquinta

Come to the Pro Sanctity National Convention for the Day – July 29-30, or 31!

If you want to come just for a day or all three, and we encourage you to do so, the cost is:

Friday night: Give a donation.
Saturday: $40.00 for the program without meals, or $55.00 with lunch and dinner.
Sunday: $25.00 for the program with Sunday dinner and ice crème social, or $15.00 program alone.

REGISTER: Call us or email if you want to come for the day and for the full weekend (see prices for food and lodging) go to our on-line registration: WWW.PROSANCTITY.ORG or contact Teresa at psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670

Rejoice, a new star in heaven!

2011-05-04T00:12:00.000-05:00

Servant of God, Bishop G. Giaquinta and Blessed Pope John Paul II, Apostles
of Holiness!!
May 1, 2011

(November 1978)

It seems to me, and to many others, that in Pope John Paul II's emphasis on
the universal call to holiness, lived out in intimate personal union with
Christ and in the ordinary, everyday means of the Christian life, including
prayer, service of others and the sacraments, we rediscover the authentic
interpretation of our Founder's life and legacy and the path to genuine,
effective renewal and sure development of our Institutes, the Movement and
even the whole world. Holiness is the only answer (Const.36).

Our new Blessed Pope John Paul II along with our Founder had a vision for
holiness and set it as the gold standard of the ordinary Christian life and
they showed us the true path to renewal and the way to eternal communion
with the Blessed Trinity.

Let us rejoice and give thanks that the Church has confirmed for us yet
another friend in heaven in the person of Blessed Pope John Paul II.

May our Founder, Bishop Giaquinta and Blessed Pope John Paul II intercede
for us and for our total conversion to holiness.

May we never tire of starting over again!

Teresa Monaghen

Easter for 8 days! Celebrate!!

2011-04-27T22:04:00.001-05:00

*During the Easter Octave revisit one of the readings of the Easter Vigil for each of the 8 days.

Pray: That I would receive these things more fully and with gratitude...

DAY ONE - 1st Reading: Gn 1:1—2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a - Creation Story

…the gift that he has given us that we have no part of and no claim to.

DAY TWO - 2nd Reading: Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 – Abraham and Isaac

…Is there any place where I am not trusting you? Strengthen me. Is there anything I am clinging to? Help me surrender.

DAY THREE - 3rd Reading: Ex 14:15—15:1 – Parting of the Red Sea

…Is there any place in my life where I am held captive? Stuck? Need defense against my enemies? Are there any obstacles I need removed?

DAY FOUR - 4th Reading: Is 54:5-14 – The Lord Calls you Back

…Lord, in what ways do I need to be reconciled to you? Help me to be faithful.

DAY FIVE - 5th Reading: Is 55:1-11 – All you who are thirsty, come to the water.

…Lord, show me where I am trying to earn your blessing. Where do I need to be more secure? Help me to give up trying to earn or manufacture your love. Help me to trust in your love as it is given as an unearned, freely given gift.

DAY SIX - 6th Reading: Bar 3:9-15, 32C4:48 – Love Wisdom

…Lord, whose wisdom I am trying to follow? Help me to follow your plan for my life. Help me to set aside opinions of others and seek you out instead, welcoming you, following you.

DAY SEVEN - 7th Reading: Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28 – I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you.

…Lord, help me to receive a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Help me to be transformed by the renewal of my mind. Make my heart like yours so that I may forever live in glory –under the loving gaze of the Father!

DAY EIGHT - 8th Reading: Rom 6:3-11 - If, then, we have died with Christ… we shall also live with him.

…that I may be glad and rejoice intensely because of your great joy and glory, my Risen Lord Jesus! (from the 4th week of the Spiritual Exercises)

*from notes taken by Jackie Logue at Easter Vigil – St. Patrick’s Church 4-23-2011. Father Scott Traynor presiding.

LENT 2011

2011-04-15T14:44:00.001-05:00

Thought for the day ... G. Giaquinta

Let us meditate on what it means to risk, to dare, to let go and let God, to lay ourselves on the line and declare “Your will be done, use me as you will.”

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

2011-04-04T16:26:00.001-05:00

My Mother, My Confidence!

Dear Tom, Mike and James:

Today is your anniversary as Social Animators. Do you remember April 4, 2002? You committed yourselves to promote brotherhood within society and prayed,

“May the thirst of the Crucified Lord

and the gaze of Mary,

our mother and sister,

encourage me to be

light, leaven, and presence

of Christ in the world.”

Congratulations, dear brothers! Know that we are proud of you, pray for you, and wish you to actualize God’s plan of holiness and brotherhood for you and through you for society.

In Jesus’ peace and love,

The Apostolic Oblates, and the Pro Sanctity Movement

Lenten Rosary #3

2011-03-30T20:41:00.001-05:00

Meditated Rosary

Attending the School of the Cross

“If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself.” (Mt. 16:24)

First Mystery

Jesus is in agony in the garden of Gethsemane.

Let us ponder this mystery to learn what must change in our lives to conform ourselves to Jesus.

Second Mystery

Jesus is scourged.

In this mystery we enter into the physical suffering of Jesus. Unite your sufferings with His.

Third Mystery

Jesus is crowned with thorns.

As we ponder the humiliations that Jesus underwent in loving silence, let us look at the sin of pride in our lives and express our desire to enter His silence, united in love.

Fourth Mystery

Jesus carries the Cross to Calvary.

Jesus freely embraced the weight of the Cross. What cross is He inviting us to freely embrace that we resist?

Fifth Mystery

Jesus dies on the Cross

Death was the price that Jesus paid for our salvation. Pray for an expanded desire to participate in his redemptive work.

Lenten Rosary #2

2011-03-29T08:42:00.001-05:00

Lenten Rosary #2

“The LORD, your God, shall you fear; Him shall you serve, and by His name shall you swear.” (Dt 6:1-13)

FIRST MYSTERY: JESUS ACCEPTS HIS CALL: “NOT MY WILL FATHER, BUT YOUR WILL BE DONE.”

The words of Deuteronomy reach us clearly and strongly, calling us to faith. Nothing is the work of our hands, everything comes from God, we are custodians of a charism that we haven't built, but we have received so that it develops and gives fruit. For this to happen, we must believe: believe in God, in His plan of love, and in our vocation.

SECOND MYSTERY: JESUS EMBRACES THE CROSS

We must have faith that is not merely the agreement of reason to what is not explained or understood, but that is love. A total, burning, absolute love. We are called to believe beyond possibility, through each divestment, in any situation, in the hour of trial, and when we walk in darkness.

THIRD MYSTERY: JESUS CARRIES THE CROSS ON THE WAY TO CALVARY

We are called to believe when it seems that every solution is taken from us, that everything we do is destined to perish. We are called to believe firmly that our steps are guided by God and that everything reveals His love, but above all, we are called to believe with love. We may, in fact, believe and not love, be obedient and not love.

FOURTH MYSTERY: JESUS STRETCHES OUT HIS ARMS ON THE CROSS

Faith that is based on love stretches naturally toward the will of the Beloved, adheres without delay to the desires of His heart, surrenders to His mysterious ways of redemption, acknowledges suffering as a call of election, rejoices in what is essential: belonging to the One Who is Love and Who makes the one who abandons herself to Him capable of Holiness.

FIFTH MYSTERY: JESUS PROCLAIMS FROM THE CROSS, “YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE”

This dimension of faith, as an exclusive relationship with God, is the prerogative of every human creature that acknowledges herself as a daughter of the Father and a sister of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. It does not belong only to those who are consecrated, but also makes the conjugal dimension fruitful. In the gift of Baptism we become “lovers” of the one God.

Taken from the Lenten Letter of Loredana Reitano, General Moderator

Lenten Rosary 2011 - Loredano Reitano

2011-03-28T01:48:00.000-05:00

Lenten Rosary

Yes, Love is not loved; Jesus is not loved!

First Mystery:

Above all – how terrible! -- is the feeling of the absence of God. The emptiness creates anxiety, panic, psychological fragility, sham tenderness, a human inability to form relationships, and, slowly, the prevalence of evil in all its most deceitful and cruel forms.

Love is not loved; Jesus is not loved!

Second Mystery:

Man can no longer view himself with serenity because he is no longer in a position to see himself clearly, but glimpses a deformed, despoiled, distorted image. We are reduced to caricatures of ourselves!

Love is not loved; Jesus is not loved!

Third Mystery:

When we look at the news, at so-called educational programs, cultural and political debates, or entertainment; when we read newspapers, magazines or surf the internet, getting lost in its murky regions, we notice that we are baffled and horrified: everything is more in line with sub-human behavior than with truly human events.

Love is not loved; Jesus is not loved!

Fourth Mystery:

St. Francis' tears, his cry of pain, the tears of so many saints, the cry of the Son of God on the cross: “Sitio,” “I thirst,” give us precious direction and fill the emptiness to the brim, giving it meaning. The lives of the Saints are like morning dew spread over the desert of the world; their love, which is more potent in Heaven, is the rain that purifies humanity from evil; the love of Jesus on the cross is the blood that brings the life of the resurrection to every piece of our poor and injured history.

Love is not loved; Jesus is not loved!

Fifth Mystery:

In His face, disfigured by the sin of the world, we find beautiful and divine traits present even in our own faces, because He maternally continues to generate us in the womb of the Trinity and sets us like a seal on His most precious body.

Love is not loved; Jesus is not loved!

Great quote for the day!

2011-03-13T00:05:00.001-06:00

"We become saints not by thinking about it, and not (certainly) by writing about it, but simply by doing it. There comes a time when the "how?" question stops and we just do it.

If the one we love were at our door knocking to come in, would we wonder how the door lock works, and how we could move our muscles to open it?"

Peter Kreeft

(Contribution from Cindy Jandrain)

Pope Benedict Celebrates Our Lady of Trust!

2011-03-07T23:04:00.001-06:00

God Calls Each One by Name, Says Pope

Reflects on Vocation With Roman Seminarians

ROME, MARCH 7, 2011 (Zenit.org).- A vocation is above a personal call from

God who knows "each each of us by name," says Benedict XVI.

The Pope made this reflection Friday afternoon during his visit to the

Major Roman Seminary. In keeping with an annual tradition, the Holy Father

visited on the feast of the seminary's patron, Our Lady of Trust. Presiding

at a celebration of lectio divina, the Pontiff offered a commentary on the

Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, during which he offered to the

seminarians four attitudes that characterize a Christian life: "humility,

meekness, magnanimity, and bearing with each other in love."

Humility, Benedict XVI pointed out, is the word that St. Paul used to

described Christ, "who was God and humbled himself, [...] and descended to

the point of making himself a creature, to the point of making himself man,

to the point of obedience on the cross."

"So, humility is not just any word, just any modesty, but a Christological

word," he added. "Imitating the God who comes down to me, who is so great

that he becomes my friend, suffers for me, and dies for me. This is a

humility to learn, the humility of God.

"It means that we must always see ourselves in the light of God; thus, at

the same time we can know the greatness of being a person loved by God, but

also our littleness, our poverty, and this is the right way to conduct

ourselves, not as masters, but as servants."

The Holy Father said that meekness is also a "Christological word," and

"again implies this imitation of Christ."

"Because in baptism we are conformed to Christ," he explained, "we must

therefore conform to Christ, find this spirit of being meek, without

violence, of convincing with love and with goodness."

Magnanimity, continued the Pope, "means generosity of heart, not to be

minimalists who give what is strictly necessary: Let us give everything we

posses, and we will also grow in magnanimity."

"Supporting one another in our own otherness is a daily task," the Holy

Father added, "and especially when we support each other with humility,

learning to truly love."

Baptismal vocation

Benedict XVI also reflected on "the vocation common to all Christians,

namely, the baptismal vocation: the call to be of Christ and to live in

him, in his body."

"The Christian life begins with a call and always remains a response, to

the very end," he explained. "And this is so in the spheres of both belief

and action: Christians respond to their vocation through both faith and

behavior."

"God, the Lord, has called each of us," the Pope continued. "He has called

each one by name. God is so great that he has time for each one of us, he

knows me, he knows each of us by name, personally."

"It is a personal call for each of us. I think that we must meditate on

this mystery often: God, the Lord, called me, calls me, knows me, awaits my

response as he awaited Mary's response, as he awaited the response of the

Apostles.

"God calls me: This fact should make us attentive to God's voice,

attentive to his words, to his call for me, to realize this part of

salvation history for which he has called me."

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 9 March 5th 2011

2011-03-05T03:29:00.000-06:00

Acts 1:12-14 A Lucan Summary and his last mention of Mary

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

The final mention of Mary in the Acts of the Apostles finds her in the Cenacle, the upper room where Jesus had celebrated the Last Supper with his Apostles. She returns to the place of the institution of the Eucharist, where Christ gave himself completely in the form of bread and wine. When Jesus was growing up, he saw in Mary his mother, a example of complete self-giving. She was completely and totally given to following the will of the Father. Mary gave herself in humility and in love. Christ too gave himself completely, especially in the Eucharist.

Her example is a model for us. We can continue to grow in holiness by following her way of self-giving, giving ourselves in humility and love. By our nearness to the Eucharist, we grow in holiness and in self-sacrifice.

How have you experienced this growth in holiness through the Eucharist?

(Msgr. Andre Vaccari, Pro Sanctity Priest friend, NY)

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 8 March 4th 2011

2011-03-03T23:31:00.000-06:00

DAY EIGHT: John 19:25-28a: Mary and the Beloved Disciple at the foot of the Cross

25 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.
26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." 27 then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. 28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was completed, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty."

It is hard to know exactly what to say in reference to this passage. The parents that I know, including my own, feel sympathy for their child when he/she has  a cold or a stomach ache. It is almost impossible to imagine the complete anguish that Mary must have felt seeing her Son's life slipping away in such a brutal manner.

And even in these last moments of his life Jesus was thinking of us, giving us His mother to take into our home to be a part of our lives.   Even in the depths of her agony I can't imagine Mary being completely without hope. As I meditate on this scene I hear conversations they must have had in the weeks and months prior to this moment I can see Jesus taking His mothers hands and looking into her eyes and saying "these awful things will happen but it will not be the end, it will lead to a new beginning"

How often do we take Mary into our homes and see her trust and fidelity to the cross as an example for our daily lives? And how often do we thirst for the souls of others more than for the good things of this earth?

Joan Kash
Pro Sanctity Member    Nebraska

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 7 March 3rd 2011

2011-03-02T22:28:00.000-06:00

John 2:1-12 The Cana Account
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.

3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them to the brim. 8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. 9 When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.

Each day I say a prayer to the Holy Spirit, which includes the petition: “help me in all needs and embarrassment.” As the spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mary was constantly attuned to the Spirit’s inspirations. Would she not then want to appeal to her Son to help the bride and groom in their “needs and embarrassment” when the wine ran out? Still following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Mary instructed the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them.

True holiness is so simply and beautifully embodied in Mary’s actions at Cana. In conformance to the prompting of the Spirit of God, she expressed her deep love and concern for others – in this case the newly-married couple – and trusted completely in the response of God in the person of Jesus, her Son.

(Rosemary Darmstadt, Pro Sanctity Member-NY)

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 6, March 2, 2011

2011-03-01T23:23:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:41-52 The Boy Jesus in The Temple

41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety."

49 He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. Luke 2:42 This has become on of my favorite verses in scripture. Jesus, twelve years old! I have spent a lifetime meditating on Jesus as a baby and as an adult. True, there is much to learn in this scripture and I have meditated on Jesus in the Temple many times during my life in a variety of ways. This past year, I was invited to meditate and contemplate on Jesus in the temple for a class I was taking and I couldn’t get over the fact that he was twelve. Twelve-year-old Jesus warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart. I am blessed with two sons and I am blessed with all their friends. There are times in my life that I have been surrounded by twelve year old boys and I believe that the heart of a twelve year old boy today isn’t much different than twelve year old Jesus.

It has been my experience with twelve-year-old boys is that they really don’t walk; they jump, run and bounce into each other. Twelve-year-old boys are curious and they seem to be interested in sticks, (to write with, walk with and hit things with) and rocks (keep the interesting ones in your pocket and throw the others like a baseball) and they just don’t see things they find the need to investigate them (bugs, leaves, mud etc.) This is the way I imagine Jesus going to Jerusalem, playing with other boys his age, his relatives and friends, joyfully running, jumping, investigating, throwing and bouncing into each other.

Twelve-year-old boys do sometimes get lost. When looking for a twelve-year-old boy you will usually find him where his heart is. Places I have found my lost twelve-year-old boys are at skateboard parks, baseball fields, and football fields and at basketball hoops. I have found my twelve-year-old boys on mountain trails, on lakeshores and seashores. Twelve year olds have been found in hanging out in malls, music stores or at a friend’s house playing video games. Remember they go to where their heart leads them. So, when Mary and Joseph were looking for their twelve year old Jesus they found him where is heart was. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:46-47

When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety” Luke 2:48. I think all parents have said these words to their children at one time or another! We will soon see that Jesus meant no harm and Jesus answers them like a twelve year old. He said to them “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house? But they did not understand what he said to them. Luke 2:49-50 In the end Jesus goes home and this event becomes something that Mary treasures in her heart. Luke 2:51

Mary and Joseph did not control every move Jesus made. Mary and Joseph let Jesus be twelve; they let Jesus be himself, even if that meant that there were going to be some bumps on the way Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety. Luke 2:48. (I do realize that to look for someone for three days is more than a bump) I enjoy this family story. I imagine Mary and Joseph retelling this story as Jesus grows older. “ Remember when Jesus was twelve and we went to Jerusalem…”

My heart overflows with love for twelve-year-old Jesus. I treasure this glimpse of the life of the holy family.

(Judie Kosko, Cooperative, CA)

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 5 March 1 2011

2011-02-28T22:06:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:21-40 The Naming of Jesus and The Presentation In The Temple

21 After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and, when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,29 "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." 33 And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed--and a sword will pierce your own soul too."36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, . . .” (Luke 2:31-31)

Like Simeon, I would like to think that I have witnessed the holiness of Mary and the salvation of Jesus in my life with the passing of my mother over nine months ago, and the passing of a dear friend almost a week ago. Through the final days of my mother’s life, my sister Jeanine lovingly cared for her and cradled her in her arms while awaiting the arrival of the ambulance that would carry my mother to the hospital for the last time. She prayed with her and remained steadfast in this devotion until mother was welcomed into the Heavenly Kingdom. Similarly, the holiness of Mary was modeled by a friend who stood at the side of a fellow Christian as he walked the road of the Cross during his final days on earth. In both circumstances, I was called to “come and see” the miracle of such holiness at the foot of the Cross of my beloved mother and friend and share in the sacred moments of what is to come when God beckons me home. Almighty Father, please fill my heart with your grace and help me to be a true model of holiness to all those I meet on my earthly journey. Like Mary, let me be a presence in the lives of my brothers and sisters as I run the race of endurance to my Eternal Home.

Reflection by Maria T. Rey-Hughes, Cooperative, NE

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 4 February 28th 2011

2011-02-27T21:47:00.000-06:00

DAY FOUR: Matthew 2:13-18: The Flight into Egypt. The Massacre of the Innocents

13 After they had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him." 14 So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:

I called my son out of Egypt!

16 Herod was furious when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, and in Bethlehem and its surrounding district he had all the male children killed who were two years old or under, reckoning by the date he had been careful to ask the wise men. 17 It was then that the words spoken through the prophet Jeremiah were fulfilled:

A voice was heard in Ramah,

sobbing and loudly lamenting:

it was Rachel weeping for her children,

refusing to be comforted

because they were no more.

• Matthew 2:19-23: The Holy Family's Return to Nazareth

19After Herod's death, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother with you and go back to the land of Israel, for those who wanted to kill the child are dead."

21 So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, went back to the land of Israel. 22 But when he learnt that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as ruler of Judaea he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he left for the region of Galilee. 23 There he settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way the words spoken through the prophets were to be fulfilled

He will be called a Nazarene

As I have been thinking about these passages over the last few days what has occurred to me is the variety of different emotions Mary must have been experiencing during these times. On the one hand she must have felt enveloped by the safety and protection provided to her by her husband Joseph through the instruction of God the Father and his messengers. She must have been aware that her every step was in the care of God.

At the very same time however, she could not have been blind to the dangers and violence all around her. She must have wept extensively as she pondered those grieving parents and children who were killed for political ends.

Like Mary we can be grateful for the care of our heavenly Father but we also must not be blind to the violence of our present day realities of the pains of gun violence, poverty and abortion.

Dear Lord

Help us to be grateful for your care for us but not blind to what we can do to alleviate the pain around us

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 3 February 27th 2011

2011-02-26T21:16:00.000-06:00

Luke 2:1-7 The Birth of Jesus

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of

Syria

. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judaea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for him in the inn.

When I read this first passage from Luke 2: 1-7 I see the parallel in my own life with that of Mary. From what we read many people did not believe Mary that she did not have relations with a man but by the gift of the Holy Spirit Mary is pregnant. There have been many times in our life with our daughter Mary and our son Jacob people had not agreed with us and have felt at liberty to tell us what they think. We have always sought wise counsel and felt this is what the Lord is calling us to do in our many decisions. They may not be what the crowd is doing or even family but we know true in our heart it is right with Jesus.

How I have experienced Mary’s inspiration and encouragement in my own life first came to me when our son Jacob was diagnosed with cancer at age two. Jacob was our first born and our first born son, so I did not really know what it was like to care for a child or children. The night the doctors told us to rush him to Children’s hospital because we think he has cancer, my heart just sank, I cried and I felt it was the same tears as Mary’s when she sat beneath the cross. Then we were up all night and the next day when the doctors told us that our little boy, our son, our first born, did in fact have cancer, it was at astage 4 (the worst stage you can be at), his right lung was completely collapsed, there was a big mass in between his lungs and it was moving over into his left lung. I was in utter disbelief, again I thought of Mary watching her son being nailed to the cross. The very first time they had to take Jacob from our arms to do a biopsy, he was crying out Mommy and this stranger took him away, these big wooden doors slide open, there they went, the big wooden doors closed shut and I could hear his cry fade as they walked into the room. This makes me think of Jesus when he was hanging on the cross crying out to his mother and crying out to God, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”. There have been so many times my son has been in such pain and as his mother the only thing I could do was hold him. That feeling of true vulnerability and helplessness made my heart connect with Mary when they brought Jesus to her after they had taken him down from the cross with all of his scares and she just held him and wept. These are examples that if I did not have Mary’s inspiration and encouragement to keep me going, on the right path with faith and trust in God the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, I don’t know where I would be today.”

(Lori Eyth, Cooperative, NE)

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 2 February 26th 2011

2011-02-25T20:21:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:39-45 Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

"Blessed is she who believed..." One of the many things that I am drawn to in this account of the Visitation is Mary's faith. There are so many other questions that I want to ask: why did she go "in haste"? Why did she go to be with Elizabeth? What would it be like to be Mary or Elizabeth, filled with joy at God's work in me? By journeying to visit Elizabeth, probably on foot, is she trying to show all of us modern women that exercise during pregnancy is important? (Okay, that last one is a bit of a joke.) But amidst all these questions, my heart rests and reflects on Mary's faith in the "fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." That she would bear the Son of God. That the Lord would take care of her as she received His will and lived it out. And even more than these two, she believed His word of love to her. I'm not sure that Scripture says anywhere, "And then God said, 'Mary, I love you and am with you always.'" But that is what He says to all of us in our hearts, through the events of our lives, through the fact that we live and breathe, through the beauty of the natural world and the created individuals around us. So she must also have heard His word of love to her, and BELIEVED it. I hear His loving word to me so often, and I think it goes in one ear and out the other sometimes; I am so quick to forget that He loves me. I know this because I find myself basing my actions during the day on inner fear and insecurity, "I have to do this or someone will be mad." "I am going to take this for myself, because no one else is thinking of me or they would give it to me." How was Mary able to go visit her cousin Elizabeth in the first few, sometimes physically challenging months of pregnancy? Because her heart was strong and secure in the word of love that God had spoken to her. It reverberated in her heart, over and over again; I love you, I love you, I love you. I picture her looking up at the sky on the way to see Elizabeth, maybe noticing a bird that made her smile, or a shade of blue that delighted her heart, and remembering, "He loves me, He loves me, He loves me." Resting in this good truth gave her joy.

What is God's word of love to me today?

What good truth is He calling me to rest with inwardly as I go about doing the things He gives me to do today?

(By Heidi Emmanual, Pro Sanctity member, NE)

Our Lady of Trust Novena Day 1. February 25th 2011

2011-02-24T23:03:00.002-06:00

The Feast of Our Lady of Trust (Pro Sanctity’s Patroness) is on March 6th. Please join us in 9 days of prayer and reflection in preparation for this wonderful day. We must thank Apostolic Oblate Joan Patten who has provided our theme for this year’s novena, looking at the life of Mary in scripture

Day 1 The Annunciation Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who is said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God." 38 Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

"What has always amazed me most about the Annunciation is how very few questions Mary asks and how completely full of trust she really is. When I am faced with something unknown or unexpected my mind immediately fills with questions and fears and 'what if' scenarios—and they are over much tinier things than the enormity of what Mary was told. The insignificant questions my days are usually filled with are things like 'What if the weather is bad?' 'What if the door is locked?' 'What if I get a bad performance review on the job?' 'What if I move too slowly or am not smart enough?' 'What if I run out of time?'
Dear Lord,
Help us take a lesson from Mary knowing that You can be completely trusted and that all of our days and situations, both big and small rest in Your hands."
(Reflection by Joan Kash, Pro Sanctity Member, NE)

"Notice the particularity of God’s action- Gabriel is sent from God, to Galilee, to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin in that town who was betrothed, betrothed to a man named Joseph, Joseph of the House of David, and the virgin’s name is Mary- and it was a Tuesday, at 2:33pm and Mary was working in the garden. So that last part is not in the Gospel, but the Annunciation did unfold on a specific day, at some specific time and Mary was doing something somewhere when it came to pass. The Annunciation was not on Mary’s calendar. It was not an event she planned, yet it was the most significant and fruitful grace ever received in all of human history. I am so grateful for Mary’s yes. I am so grateful that she was docile enough to notice and cooperate with the grace of the Incarnation at the particular moment God offered it. Mary is attentive and receptive in the moment. How about you? God comes to you today. He has a grace to give you. I wonder what it might be… do you? You may have many things on your calendar today, but the most significant part of your day will be the grace that is offered to you. I will pray for you. I will pray that you will be attentive and receptive to the Grace of God in the moment it comes, so that God’s grace will be fruitful for you, and for the whole world. Will you pray the same for me?"
(Reflection by Fr. Scott Traynor, Pro Sanctity priest friend, SD)

Annual Feast Day of Our Lady of Trust - March 6, 2011

2011-02-23T11:40:00.002-06:00

Annual Feast Day of Our Lady of Trust - March 6, 2011
All are welcome to Pro Sanctity’s Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Trust on Sunday, March 6, at St. Thomas More School Social Hall, 3515 South 48th Ave. Omaha, NE 68106, from 1-4 PM. Come listen and pray with Msgr. Charles M. Mangan, a priest of the Diocese of Sioux Falls and well-known speaker and author, reflect on “Mary, Model of Holiness”.
A rosary and refreshments will follow.
A children’s program will be available also.
Cost: Free will donation, please bring snacks to share. For more information contact Joan: joanpatten@gmail.com, 402-553-4418 or Teresa: psm@prosanctity.org, 402-289-2670.

Pampered Chef Party for Pro Sanctity continues!

2011-02-14T16:45:00.000-06:00

We are grateful for the generosity of so many of our friends, old and new!

Kayla Downey would like to invite everyone to a Pampered Chef Catalog Show to benefit the new building project in Elkhorn, now through the end of February 2011.

For More Info Contact - Lisa Garrett: 659-0990 www.pamperedchef.biz/lisagarrett

Romano Tafani - brother of Palmira Tafani, Pro Sanctity Fullerton

2011-02-04T14:09:00.001-06:00

Dearest all. The brother of Palmira (Romano Tafani) has returned to the House of the Father, Let us pray the Lord of Life to welcome him into the beauty of Heaven. Let us pray also for Palmira and her family in this difficult moment. Let us ask for the gift of great faith and much consolation. Loredana

Carissime,

il fratello di Palmira è tornato ieri, 3 febbraio, alla casa del Padre. Preghiamo il Signore della Vita perchè lo accolga nella bellezza del Paradiso. Preghiamo anche per Palmira e la sua famiglia in questo momento non facile. Chiediamo sempre il dono di una fede grande e di tanta consolazione.

Loredana

In honor of Catholic Schools Week - contribution by Fr. Mark Bridgman

2011-02-01T15:14:00.001-06:00

Contribution by Fr. Mark Bridgman, Apostolic Sodalis of the Pro Sanctity Family

In honor of Catholic Schools Week, I’ve included the following story that illustrates the importance of all teachers.

What’s a teacher make?

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?" Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?” She paused for a second, and then began... "Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube, or movie rental. You want to know what I make?” She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table. “I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life…” Bonnie paused one last time and then continued. “Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn’t everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant …. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?” His jaw dropped, he went silent.

I cut off the most important one!! see below!!! Christmas is now! Bruce - this is a nice filler if you need one...Blessed holy days! Teresa

2010-12-29T17:49:00.001-06:00

C H R I S T M A S 2010

Christmas has only just begun; here are some ways to celebrate the season of Christmas!

www.prosanctity.org

C - Call someone who lives alone. Adopt that person for a year. Make a conscious effort to visit more often.

Pray a decade of the Rosary:

The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing she is to be the Mother of God.

H - Help someone in need. Make it personal and often.

Pray a decade of the Rosary:

The Visitation: Elizabeth greets Mary: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!"

R - Read the Christmas Story to someone and share your thoughts.

Pray a decade of the Rosary:

The Nativity: The Virgin Mary gives birth to the Redeemer of the World.

I – Initiate something that will help others know the true meaning of Christmas.

Pray a decade of the Rosary:

The Presentation. The Blessed Mother presents the Child Jesus in the Temple.

S – Single out someone who needs a card or a present from you – someone in need.

Pray a decade of the Rosary: The Finding in the Temple. The Blessed Mother finds Jesus in the Temple.

T – Tell someone that you love them, someone who needs to hear these words.

Pray a decade of the Rosary:

The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing she is to be the Mother of God.

M – Make time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas for you and your family

Pray a decade of the Rosary:

The Visitation: Elizabeth greets Mary: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!"

A – Allow yourself a moment to stand before the crib – light a candle and invite Jesus into your heart and your life. Pray a decade of the Rosary:

The Nativity: The Virgin Mary gives birth to the Redeemer of the World.

S – Sing Christmas Carols!! The time is now!

Pray a decade of the Rosary

Shepherds and Angels: Singing Glory to God in the highest!

C H R I S T M A S!

Pro Sanctity National Spiritual Advisor Annual Christmas Letter!

2010-12-26T23:09:00.001-06:00

Christmas 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Pro Sanctity,

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

The season of joyful waiting has reached its completion and we celebrate the gift of the love of God seen in a little child. For four weeks of Advent, we have been preparing a place for the Savior, a place where Jesus may come and dwell in our hearts and in our homes. We have prayed and fasted, we have looked for him and met him in the silence of prayer and in the needs of our brothers and sisters. Now we renew our deepest joy that God has sent us a Redeemer, a newborn child, Christ the Lord!

This year, our Pro Sanctity formation theme has been “The Saint: Fully Human, Fully Alive!” Christmas is a time to return to the source of how we can be both fully human and fully alive. We return in our minds and in our hearts to the little town of Bethlehem. Angels sing and shepherds watch and there, a child is born. The child is fully human, fully divine, and fully alive. He takes on our human strengths and weaknesses; he cries and nurses, he moves and sleeps, wrapped not only in swaddling clothes but in the tenderness of his mother’s loving embrace. Under the loving gaze and strong protection of Saint Joseph, he will grow from boy to man, fully alive as a worker, teacher, healer and redeemer. He will show us that to really live is to give yourself away, following always the will of the Father.

Bishop Giaquinta, our Founder prays in “Consecration to Redemptive Love”: “I will ask for nothing, Redeemer of souls, but only that you accept my intense desire for the work of redemption, my consecration to redemptive love.” In these beautiful words, Bishop Giaquinta touches the yearning of our souls to help others grow in holiness. He speaks to us today, although he wrote years ago, of the desire that we have to be part of the work of redemption. That desire unites us and deepens our commitment in Pro Sanctity. We have received the insight to understand the incredible importance of the call to holiness and of the apostolate of holiness. We are called to redemptive love, to drink from the heart of the Redeemer of His love, and to transform our hearts and our world with the love that moved Jesus to give his whole life for us.

At this time of Christmas, we celebrate the Love that came to earth in that little child. This Love became flesh, fully alive human flesh. You and I can give new flesh to that love each day of our lives. The love we show our families, our friends and neighbors and our enemies, is a love that consecrates each day to holiness. It is a love that leads us to heaven.

May this Christmas be filled with that Love. May all the Members and Friends of Pro Sanctity, the Apostolic Oblates, the Apostolic Sodales and the Social Animators, rejoice during this holy time, and be filled with the graces and blessings God has in store for you.

Monsignor Andrew J. Vaccari
National Spiritual Advisor

P.S. Remember to plan to come for the Pro Sanctity National Convention in Nebraska from July 29 – 31, 2011. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Christmas Novena: Day Nine

2010-12-24T09:00:00.001-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 24: With the rising of the sun, you will soon see the King of kings and Lord of lords, coming forth from His Father, as the bridegroom, from His bridal chamber.

Pray the Magnificat
Scripture Reading: Micah 5:1-5; Luke 2:1-8

Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.
He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Christmas Novena: Day Eight

2010-12-23T09:00:00.001-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 23: O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: Come to save us, O Lord our God.

Pray the Magnificat
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16; Matthew 1:18-25

Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

O Christ, Awaited One

2010-12-22T22:44:00.000-06:00

O CHRIST, AWAITED ONE

You, O Christ, are

Like a flake of snow fluttering from Heaven

Like a radiant star bursting to life without ever dimming

Like a lily blooming in our desert.

Trembling

The chaste Virgin welcomed You;

With kisses and caresses of love

She cradled You;

Bearing alone in her heart the waiting

For You,

Christ the Lord.

Now she admires You, her eyes filled with amazement.

Profound joy sustains her happiness.

She gazes, contemplates, smiles, and responds to You,

O Christ.

Mother,

Give us your newborn Son;

Even though we are lowly shepherds with

poor gifts

And tired pilgrims from the East,

We long for Christ.

His innocence draws us,

His radiance enchants us,

His fragrance attracts us irresistibly.

O Mother, give us your Son.

~G. Giaquinta

Christmas Novena: Day Seven

2010-12-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 22: O King of the Gentiles and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: Come, and deliver man, whom You formed out of the dust of the earth.

Pray the Magnificat
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 7:6-21; Ephesians 2:12-22

Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.
He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Christmas Novena: Day Six

2010-12-21T09:00:00.001-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 21: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice; come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Pray the Magnificat
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Luke 1:26-39

Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Christmas Novena: Day Five

2010-12-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 20: O Key of David, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: Come and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Pray the Magnificat
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 28:14-20; Romans 10:5-11

Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Christmas Novena: Day Four

2010-12-19T09:00:00.001-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 19: O Root of Jesse, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kinds shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.

Pray the Magnificat
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 15:13-20; Acts 3:18-26

Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Christmas Novena: Day Three

2010-12-18T09:00:00.002-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 18: O Lord and Ruler of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

Pray the Magnificat
Scripture Reading: Genesis 17:15-23; Romans 4:13-23

Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.
He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Christmas Novena: Day Two

2010-12-17T09:02:00.003-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 17: O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly, Come, and teach us the way of prudence.

Pray the Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:14-20; Romans 5:12-21

Christmas Novena: Day One

2010-12-16T21:02:00.000-06:00

Read the passage, Reflect on what strikes you in prayer, Rest with the insights and this encounter with Christ.

Please share your insights if you wish.

December 16: Behold, the King will come, the Lord of the earth, and He will remove from us the yoke of our captivity.

Pray the Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed; the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.

He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

He come to the help of his servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:1-15; Romans 1:18-26

Third Sunday in Advent

2010-12-12T11:53:00.000-06:00

“As we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Every time I listen to the Celebrant saying these words “...as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ” at the Communion Rite during Mass, I ask myself - especially during the Advent Season - if I am waiting in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord. I stop in silence and reflect on my personal longing, the longing of Mother Church, and the longing of the world. Yes, there is a longing in my heart and in the hearts of my brothers and sisters, a longing for order, beauty, holiness – gifts brought to us by the coming of the Lord.

Advent is indeed a privileged time to dwell in the land of waiting with joyful hope! Advent is a Season to be spent with Mary to learn from her, the Virgin of Adoration, how to get ready for the coming of the Lord. We need to recall and reflect on her attitudes: her silence, listening, openness and availability, her ready response to needs, her song of praise and glory... A prayer surges from my heart, “Mary, mold me, mold all, according to your heart; make us ready to welcome the Lord as you did.” I pray, “Mary, ‘make me, make us, empty, sturdy, soft inside, still, ready’ (Barbara S. Germiat). Prayer, Eucharist, Reconciliation, silence, joy, and service are all tools that make us ready, that make us receptive to the Lord’s many graces, and that make us generous in our response to the many demands of self-giving capable of putting a smile on our neighbors’ faces.

We are waiting, Mother Church is waiting, too! She waits for her children to fully live their vocation and mission in life! She is longing to see her Faithful fully alive, fully human, all saints, all brothers and sisters! She says to us, “I have given you documents to read, meditate on, and pray with so that you can understand your responsibilities as laity, consecrated people, and ordained ministers. Be who you are! Laity, be laity! Family, be family! Consecrated people, be consecrated people! Deacons, be deacons! Priests, be priests!” May we listen to Mother Church’s plea and commit ourselves to embody our vocation and mission in life!

The world, too, is waiting! It waits for peace and solidarity; for respect for the sacredness of life and the order of love established by our Creator, the Father of all peoples; for becoming a community of love, a family! Yes, the world is waiting for light to break through its darkness, for love to penetrate its harshness, for yeast to ferment the growth, for witnesses to enhance beauty, order, growth, and joy, much joy.

“Mary, woman of Advent, teach us to live with a new spirit our daily gestures, with the sentiment of a profound expectation that only the coming of God can fulfill” (Benedict XVI, Nov. 28, 2010). Mary, Mother of Confidence, give us trust to become saints, trust to become brothers and sisters! Mary, help us “go in haste” along the paths of the world to announce to all that the Lord is coming and He will make all things new.

Reflection by Franca Salvo, A.O.

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 9 12-8-2010

2010-12-07T23:38:00.000-06:00

The phrase "wounded by his love" struck me as curious at first, because love is meant to heal and not wound. In reflecting further I believe this word is all about intensity. We are all to be so overwhelmed by his perfect and infinite love that it should actually cause us pain to realize that not everyone is aware of it. Am I wounded by his love? I fear that I am not. I spend so much time being comforted by it that I fail to "cry for the desert" as my favorite songwriter Twila Paris puts it. Our writer for this nine days of reflection also reminds us that this would "will only heal in heaven". We are to be reminded that earth is not our permanent home but only a temporary stop toward our final goal which is to reach heaven. Our Mother Mary, who has been crowned queen of heaven and who we honor in this special feast of her Immaculate Conception will surely help us along the way and be there to greet us when we arrive.

Dear Mother Mary

Teach us to feel deeply the wound of a world that does not know the love of your Son. Help us to communicate it as clearly as we can with our words and our actions so that others will be drawn to follow. Guide us toward heaven by helping us hear your voice and His voice so that we can follow your instruction and "do whatever He tells you"

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 8 12-7-2010

2010-12-06T22:30:00.000-06:00

Holy Mary, Mother of God, let me keep a heart of a child, pure and transparent like springwater. Let me have a simple heart that does not linger to relish its own sorrows. A heart rich in giving, and easily moved to compassion; a faithful and generous heart that does not forget a good deed, yet it does not hold a grudge for an evil one. Make my heart humble, capable of loving without demanding to be loved in return, happy to lose itself within other hearts and to sacrifice itself before Your divine Son. A great and indomitable heart that no ungratefulness may close and no indifference may wear out. A heart tormented by the passion and glory of Jesus Christ, wounded by his love with a deep wound that will heal only in heaven. (L. de Grandmaison)

As I read the phrase above, what immediately strikes me and convicts me in the Holy Spirit is that yes, I am tormented by the passion and glory of Jesus Christ but only at specific times and in specific situations-- on Good Friday and Easter Sunday being the obvious responses and/ or when someone I know intimately is experiencing either great agony or great joy. What I hear God calling me and all of us to is to broaden the outreach of our hearts. Is this not what it means to be fully human and fully alive, and is this also not what Bishop Giaquinta was constantly calling us to in considering EVERYONE our brothers and sisters? We should use all of our strength to feel as deeply as we can both the joy and pain of others and make every effort to respond to the maximum that we are able.

Dear Mother Mary,

You felt everything deeply and responded with maximum love, from the moment you said yes to the angel to the moment you held your son in your arms when he was taken down from the cross. Teach us to respond likewise and have your Son and the Holy Spirit show us where are love and response is most needed in the coming days.

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 7 12-6-2010

2010-12-05T15:04:00.000-06:00

Holy Mary, Mother of God, let me keep a heart of a child, pure and transparent like springwater. Let me have a simple heart that does not linger to relish its own sorrows. A heart rich in giving, and easily moved to compassion; a faithful and generous heart that does not forget a good deed, yet it does not hold a grudge for an evil one. Make my heart humble, capable of loving without demanding to be loved in return, happy to lose itself within other hearts and to sacrifice itself before Your divine Son. A great and indomitable heart that no ungratefulness may close and no indifference may wear out. A heart tormented by the passion and glory of Jesus Christ, wounded by his love with a deep wound that will heal only in heaven. (L. de Grandmaison)

Great and indomitable. The dictionary defines indomitable as "impossible to subdue" I rarely see these qualities in myself. So often my own sinfulness, selfishness, laziness and weariness subdue me, keep me from doing things I know I should as I replace these things with sleep or my own pleasure. Mary must have been very tired and frightened during the process of her pregnancy and hurt by those who shunned her because they thought it was the result of immorality on her part. And yet, by remaining close to the Father and the Spirit who overshadowed her and her betrothed Joseph who cared for her she found the strength to persevere.

Dear Mother Mary,

Teach me to fnd strength as you did-- by staying close to the holy ones in my own life, my dear family and friends, and those saints who have gone before me who I know are there to help me along the way if I ask them. Teach me also to find ways to show greatness and indomitability in my acts of love, which come not from me alone, but in my cooperation with God who wants to show His love through me.

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 6 12-5-2010

2010-12-05T14:32:00.000-06:00

Holy Mary, Mother of God, let me keep a heart of a child, pure and transparent like springwater. Let me have a simple heart that does not linger to relish its own sorrows. A heart rich in giving, and easily moved to compassion; a faithful and generous heart that does not forget a good deed, yet it does not hold a grudge for an evil one. Make my heart humble, capable of loving without demanding to be loved in return, happy to lose itself within other hearts and to sacrifice itself before Your divine Son. A great and indomitable heart that no ungratefulness may close and no indifference may wear out. A heart tormented by the passion and glory of Jesus Christ, wounded by his love with a deep wound that will heal only in heaven. (L. de Grandmaison)

The dictionary defines sacrifice as "the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim". When Mary said yes to the angel she sacrificed her own will and choice of what her life would be for the sake of the love to which she was called, and the God who was asking this of her. Here again I know that I need to learn from Mary's example because I sacrifice so little for the God I claim to love.

Dear Mother Mary,

Please ask your son to show me where I need to sacrifice for His sake. What time or talent or resource or act of love do I selfishly hold to myself that I know belongs to Him alone. Show me this day and in the days to come specific ways to step out of myself and show your love to others.

Advent Reflection 2010: Mary, Mother of the Living, pray for us!

2010-12-05T13:59:00.002-06:00

Mary, Mother of the Living
Biblical Litany of Our Lady

I have always like the phrase, "The Lord writes straight with crooked
lines...", it is a line that gives me hope in my sinfulness, ineptness, and
inabilities. "The Lord chooses the lowly to confound the strong", is also
a favorite reflection that describes a similar action of the Lord. God
can use any one of us, at anytime, for good. Well he certainly used both
Eve, Mother of the living and Mary, Mother of the living for our good!

In Gen. 2:20, "Adam called his wife Eve, because she became the mother
of all the living". Her failure in saying no to God in the garden, did
not deter her from saying yes to life outside the gates of Eden, and
thus give birth to humankind! She was open to life; even the promised
"pangs of birth" did not deter her.

In Gall 4:4 it states that at a "designated time God sent forth his Son,
born of a woman." Mary was her name and she gave birth to our Savior and
became the Mother of the redeemed, mother of what the living had been
destined to become before the fall. She gave birth to the Church below
the Cross, with her yes to the "pangs of birth" endured in union with
Son, on Calvary (Jn 19:26).

Mary, is actually a daughter of Eve because of Eve's openness to life and giving birth of humanity; we have the other woman, Mary, who would complete the process in her Yes
to give life to the Savior, and through and with Him, we have a new life
born from the side of Christ bringing about Mother Church. Mary and the
Church achieve for us salvation and sanctification, the fullness of
life.

When I reflect on Eve and Mary both mothers of the living - each in her
own right, I am filled with hope and happiness. Nothing is impossible
with God, and even more astounding that He uses poor human instruments
to bring about great things, life and holiness. Pro Life and Pro
Sanctity for this reason go hand in hand and both are indebted to a
woman. We have humanity through Eve and holiness through Mary.

Oh Lord, how amazing are your ways. May Mary, Mother of the Living
inspire us to be fully human in relation to her sister, Eve, and fully
alive with the graces that she open to us through her Yes to the Father!
May the cause of the sanctity of life go on, hand in hand, with our
mothers, Eve and Mary. How beautiful are the crooked lines of our
humanity straightened by your love. Amen!

---------------------------------------
Pro Sanctity Movement/Teresa Monaghen
11002 N. 204th St.
Elkhorn, NE 68022
402-289-2670

Thought for the day ... G. Giaquinta
Let us sow goodness and holiness, and we will see barren fields bloom.

Second Sunday of Advent

2010-12-04T21:06:00.000-06:00

The second week of Advent has arrived! Have you come with it? Is this season of preparation slipping through your hands, or are have you been participating fully in this gift the Church gives us? As the time speeds by, I always feel like I have not taken full advantage of the season. Although this is true due to my weakness and poverty, the temptation is to get stuck in worrying about what I have failed to do perfectly. Jesus invites me to something greater.

During this time of preparation and waiting, He is inviting me to abandon myself to His care, to let Him draw close, to be with me, to heal me, to love me. This does not mean that I am to be nonchalant about my sinfulness; rather, it is the way of spiritual childhood which St. Therese continues to teach me. In humility I can run to the Lord to tell Him all my failings when the Spirit gently convicts me. In trust I can abandon my life, my projects, and my very self to His power and love. In my weakness I am unable to make myself be humble and to trust, but the Lord has planted those desires in my heart because He wants to fulfill them.

Christ wants to come to each of us in a deeper way this Christmas, in a unique, personal and amazing way. As Advent continues may we live it fully and let Him prepare our hearts by: fostering silence, being faithful to prayer, receiving His love, and by responding to His love with our love. Come, Lord Jesus!

(Reflection by Monica Hejkal)

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 5 12-4-2010

2010-12-03T23:24:00.000-06:00

Mary is the perfect example of humility. So often in her Magnificat, (Luke 1:46-55) she makes abundantly clear that it is God who gives her every blessing she has and He is the One to be praised by virtue of His resisting and acting against the proud but lifting up the humble. I know I am too proud much of the time and seek for myself the love, admiration and credit that belongs to God alone, thinking falsely that I have done great things while knowing in my heart, that I would not be alive at all wtihout the grace of God.

Dear Mother Mary,

Teach us to be humble as you were, knowing that at all times the best road to choose is the road of humility because we have nothing that is not a gift from God's hands. Help us to be grateful for those countless gifts and pass them along in the love we show one another.

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 4 12-3-2010

2010-12-02T22:52:00.000-06:00

Holy Mary, Mother of God, let me keep a heart of a child, pure and transparent like springwater. Let me have a simple heart that does not linger to relish its own sorrows. A heart rich in giving, and easily moved to compassion; a faithful and generous heart that does not forget a good deed, yet it does not hold a grudge for an evil one. Make my heart humble, capable of loving without demanding to be loved in return, happy to lose itself within other hearts and to sacrifice itself before Your divine Son. A great and indomitable heart that no ungratefulness may close and no indifference may wear out. A heart tormented by the passion and glory of Jesus Christ, wounded by his love with a deep wound that will heal only in heaven. (L. de Grandmaison)

Faithfulness and generosity are two words that so clearly describe Mary. As Dan and I were reflecting on these words he pointed out that generosity seems to be more of a word about taking action, and actions show proof of our faithfulness. Mary's action in saying "yes" to the angel was the ultimate proof of her faithfulness.

Dear Mother Mary,

Give us the grace to be boldly generous today in our dealings with others, as you were when you gave yourself to God's purpose of saving the world, knowing that what we give in your Son's name will be for our good and His glory, and show His faithfulness to all people.

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 3 12-2-2010

2010-12-01T23:15:00.000-06:00

Holy Mary, Mother of God, let me keep a heart of a child, pure and transparent like springwater. Let me have a simple heart that does not linger to relish its own sorrows. A heart rich in giving, and easily moved to compassion; a faithful and generous heart that does not forget a good deed, yet it does not hold a grudge for an evil one. Make my heart humble, capable of loving without demanding to be loved in return, happy to lose itself within other hearts and to sacrifice itself before Your divine Son. A great and indomitable heart that no ungratefulness may close and no indifference may wear out. A heart tormented by the passion and glory of Jesus Christ, wounded by his love with a deep wound that will heal only in heaven. (L. de Grandmaison)

I know that I fail a great deal in the area of giving. When I give it is so often solely from my financial resources which in reality is one of the easiest ways to give but with the least emotional commitment. As I write this I know God is challenging me and all of us to give from the depths of our hearts to a world so desperately in need of unconditional love, kindness and affection.

Dear Mother Mary

Please teach us to give and love as you did, completely of your body, mind, heart and soul for the redemptive work to which you were called. Help us to feel overwhelmed by this task, but not so overwhelmed that we fail to try-- knowing that you and your Son will grant us the strength for which we ask and give us the words to speak to our brothers and sisters.

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 2 12-1-2010

2010-11-30T22:39:00.000-06:00

Holy Mary, Mother of God, let me keep a heart of a child, pure and transparent like springwater. Let me have a simple heart that does not linger to relish its own sorrows. A heart rich in giving, and easily moved to compassion; a faithful and generous heart that does not forget a good deed, yet it does not hold a grudge for an evil one. Make my heart humble, capable of loving without demanding to be loved in return, happy to lose itself within other hearts and to sacrifice itself before Your divine Son. A great and indomitable heart that no ungratefulness may close and no indifference may wear out. A heart tormented by the passion and glory of Jesus Christ, wounded by his love with a deep wound that will heal only in heaven. (L. de Grandmaison)

I know for a fact that my heart is not simple enough. At times I linger in the past both in joys and in sorrows in order to avoid dealing with a present that might be unpleasant or difficult even though I know my present task or relationship needs me more.

Dear Mother Mary,

Help me to be fully alive in the present moment, with a simple belief that people are truly good and have pure motives and intentions, seeking their best in my interactions with them so that they see your love and your Son's love in me.

Immaculate Conception Novena Day 1 11-30-2010

2010-11-29T23:26:00.000-06:00

Before I start this novena, I must give many thanks to Joan Patten, AO who helped to gather the materials for reflection from both Bishop Giaquinta's writings and a beautiful prayer by L. de Grandmaison. To honor this wonderful feast of Our Lady celebrated on December 8th, I thought I would research exactly what the Church's teaching is, I found the following in the Catechism in paragraph 491:

The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.

The beautiful prayer below by L. de Grandmaison, highlights her most wonderful attributes and we will focus on one each day and ask for the grace to imitate it.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, let me keep a heart of a child, pure and transparent like springwater. Let me have a simple heart that does not linger to relish its own sorrows. A heart rich in giving, and easily moved to compassion; a faithful and generous heart that does not forget a good deed, yet it does not hold a grudge for an evil one. Make my heart humble, capable of loving without demanding to be loved in return, happy to lose itself within other hearts and to sacrifice itself before Your divine Son. A great and indomitable heart that no ungratefulness may close and no indifference may wear out. A heart tormented by the passion and glory of Jesus Christ, wounded by his love with a deep wound that will heal only in heaven.

Dear mother Mary, grant me the heart of a child, that could not even consider deceiving or mistreating another, but one that trusts completely. Help me in my dealings this day to continually ponder if my heart is pure and transparent, and if it is not what is holding me back from this gift

First Sunday of Advent

2010-11-28T13:35:00.004-06:00

As we enter into the season of Advent, we are invited to pause and listen. What do you hear? Do you hear Christ knocking at the door of your heart? Is there room for Him in your inn?

In the spirit of the world, we often spend the time before Christmas filling our hands with useless stuff to keep us busy, noticed, and appreciated. The Church, however, gives us the season of Advent to let go of these distractions, sin, and fears so our hands can be free to hold the Baby who holds the entire world in His Heart.

At the beginning of the liturgical year, the Church calls us to develop an attentive attitude in order to receive Christ who wants to enter into our lives and speak to us. Everything that happens to us throughout the day is a divine moment in which we can encounter the Lord. Last Advent, Our Holy Father reminded us that the Lord speaks to us continuously through Scripture, the liturgy, the witness of the saints, in daily events, and in creation. Pope Benedict XVI recommended cultivating an “interior diary” of all the moments we have been aware of God’s love.

Reflecting on the gifts received should move our hearts to respond with gratitude and in anticipation to receive more. The reality that we are never alone, that Someone who loves us is always present to us, should fill us with joyful hope. As we grow in awareness of God’s presence in our lives, we become more disposed to the needs of our brothers and sisters. This is the secret of the saints’ self-giving love and what we are called to imitate.

“For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:19-21)

Spend some time this week in prayer developing a plan for Advent. Where are you being invited to draw closer to Christ who comes to draw close to you? How can you witness the glorious freedom of the children of God to a world enslaved by materialism? The world needs saints this Advent to lead the way!

(Reflection by Joan Patten, A.O.)

Advent Resources

25 Ways to Celebrate Advent

http://www.prosanctity.org/library/spiritual/advent25ways.htm

Advent Letter of Bishop Giaquinta, 1975: http://www.prosanctity.org/library/spiritual/advent_1975.htm

Bishops’ Website with Advent Resources

http://www.usccb.org/advent/advent_index.shtml

The Mary Page, Advent

http://campus.udayton.edu/mary//seasonadvent.html

Catholic Culture, Advent Resources

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm

Thought for the day ... G. Giaquinta

2010-11-15T10:26:00.001-06:00

The first condition to receive God’s word is to become humble and lowly, and to free our grounds of pebbles, stones and the thorns that are our only vegetation.

All saints day novena day 9, October 31st 2010

2010-10-31T03:36:00.000-05:00

The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of a man is the vision of God. If the revelation of God through creation already brings life to all living beings on the earth, how much more will the manifestation of the Father by the Word bring life to those who see God

We have come to the last day of our novena in preparation for all saints day, and I feel like we have barely scratched the surface regarding the material for reflection in the quote from St Irenaeus listed above. Our God wants so much for us to live our lives fully, to know how much he loves us in that his only son came that we may have life now as well as life extending through eternity. In the Gospel of St John we read:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full.

As I write this today, what is on my mind and heart are the many things that try to steal this life from us: Personal tragedies and discouragement, the power of addiction which as I have come to understand it is one of the closest things there is to pure evil, the threats to life on both ends of the spectrum in abortion and euthanasia, the violence in our cities and around the world, and the scourge of poverty to only name a few.

In spite of these factors, and perhaps because of them, we must fight all the harder to bring the Good News and the life of God to everyone we meet. Knowing that the God who brought life to the universe with simply a word and the God who loved us enough to send His son to die for us is the power behind us, we should not be discouraged. For if God is for us, who can be against us?

Dear Lord,

Help us see that now more than ever we need your life within us and among us. Give us the strength and the confidence we need to boldly proclaim the life you came to give us and to love one another deeply, both those we consider our friends and those who are strangers to us, knowing that we all need your saving grace.

All Saints Novena Day 8 October 30, 2010

2010-10-29T23:29:00.000-05:00

Speaking again on the phrase "how much more will the manifestation of the Father by the Word...."

I highlight "by the word" to emphasize the word as Jesus Himself. St John states: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14). And Jesus did infinitely more than just appear to us and teach us and make himself known to us. Although He did all of those things perfectly, his primary work was the work of salvation, dying on the cross to show us what maximum love and sacrifice truly meant.

Lord,

Thank you for showing yourself to us and completing the work of salvation by dying for our sins. Let us live by your example, not being content with only part of what we know you desire from us, knowing that you would not ask us to do what you yourself would not enable us to do. Help us to seek your face and your guidance always.

All Saints Novena Day 7, October 29th 2010

2010-10-28T22:38:00.000-05:00

St Irenaeus continues "how much more will the manifestation of the Father by the Word"

I love words and studying their meanings. We will spend the next two days with this phrase, but the action word "manifestation" in the first part of this phrase captures my attention. I found two definitions of manifest/ manifestation that move me to worship. 1. The embodiment of an intangible thing. 2. Attest, provide evidence for, stand as proof of

Dear Lord,

Thank you for making your intangible greatness very near and supremely evident to us. It is more than we can comprehend and infinitely more than we deserve

All Saints Novena Day 6, 10-28-10

2010-10-27T22:27:00.000-05:00

continuing to quote St Irenaeus: "...already brings life to all living beings on the earth". Once again the beauty of the psalms illustrate the creative power of our God:

How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures (Psalm 104:24)

And lest we forget that we are his most precious creatures, psalm 139 reminds us:

1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain. 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
7Where can I go from your spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Dear Lord, thank you for bringing life to me and for the life you bring to all people and creation around me. Help me to see the wonder of life and praise you continually for it.

All Saints Novena Day 5, October 27th 2010

2010-10-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

We continue today our reflection on the words of St Irenaeus

If the revelation of God through creation already brings life to all living beings on the earth

Focusing today on the first part of the phrase "the revelation of God through creation"

My favorite scripture on this topic is Psalm 19:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speach; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forthe from his pavillion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. (Psalm 19: 1-6)

Dear Lord

Thank you for revealing yourself through creation. Help me to always hear you, especially when you choose to speak without words

Fall Activity Update!

2010-10-26T12:51:00.001-05:00

Pro Sanctity Annual Fall Family Festival in Elkhorn

has been cancelled due to the fire!

Spread the new!

Please join us on November l, 2010 and “Celebrate Holiness” with Archbishop George Lucas at 7:00 pm. There will be a Holy Hour for Adults, Festival of Faith with the Saints for children and a blessing of all at the end. We will give an update on the Pro Sanctity “Rebuild for Holiness!” and a PowerPoint on the Fire!

Where: St. Margaret Mary Parish, 61^st and Dodge Street

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

What: Holy Hour for Adults, Homily by Archbishop George Lucas and Festival of Faith with the Saints for children (come in costume if you wish)

Fire Update: PowerPoint after the Holy Hour in the Suneg Center during refreshments – prayer and sharing of dreams for future

Cost: Love Donation

No need to register! For more information: psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670

************************************************

PRO SANCTITY RETREAT

Schuyler Nebraska

Still open, fourteen overnight spaces available!

In the Shadow of Mary, In the Spirit of Mother Teresa

November 5-7, 2010

“In the Shadow of Our Lady”

In the spirit of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and other saints, we will explore how to stay very close to our Lady. As Mother Teresa said, “If you do this, you can do great things for God and the good of people.” A reference book that will be used on the retreat will be, Mother Teresa: In the Shadow of Our Lady by Joseph Langford, MC (Our Sunday Visitor).

Monsignor Andrew J. Vaccari is the pastor of Mary, Mother of Jesus Parish in Brooklyn, New York. He preaches retreats, days of prayer, and conferences, is active in the Pro Life Movement and is the National Spiritual Director of the Pro Sanctity Movement.

Teresa Monaghen, AO, the moderator of the Secular Institute of the Apostolic Oblates and the national director of the Pro Sanctity Movement, holds an STB in Theology from Rome and a MA in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, Omaha. Teresa has 32 years of experience giving retreats and spiritual direction to people of all ages and backgrounds.

REGISTRATION: www.stbenedictcenter.com

Friday, 7:30 p.m. to Sunday after Lunch TIME: Friday 7:30 pm to Sunday after Lunch

COST: $50.00 program free—add on room and board.

Monsignor Andrew J. Vaccari is the recently retired Chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, NY and now pastor of Mary, Mother of Jesus Parish in Brooklyn. He preaches retreats, days of prayer, and conferences, is active in the Pro Life Movement and is the National Spiritual Advisor of the Pro Sanctity Movement.

Teresa Monaghen, AO, the Moderator of the Secular Institute of the Apostolic Oblates and the National Director of the Pro Sanctity Movement, holds an STB in Theology from Rome and a MA in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, Omaha.

WRITE: psm@prosanctity.org and/ OR call 402-289-2670 for info on the retreat

All Saints Novena Day 4, October 26, 2010

2010-10-25T21:03:00.000-05:00

Continuing our reflection on the phrase “the life of man is the vision of God”

Focusing today on the second half of that phrase, the vision of God

As I have been meditating on this phrase I cannot help but think that although it applies of course to our life now, God who knows and sees all things at all times has a perfectly clear vision of eternity as well. While we can sometimes feel “stuck” in our sinfulness and our weakness and our pain, God’s purpose in encouraging us to try and start over again and again, is perfecting his vision of what we are now moving toward what we will ultimately become when we reach our heavenly home.

Dear Lord

Thank you for having a vision of me that includes not only now but eternity as well. Thank you for sending your Son to purchase my eternal salvation. Help me to not forget, especially when I am feeling discouraged that you are with me at every moment guiding me and can see the end from the beginning.

All Saints Novena Day 3, October 25, 2010

2010-10-24T22:29:00.000-05:00

Our reflection on the quote of St Irenaeus continues as we consider "and the life of a man is the vision of God". Taking the first portion of this phrase today - the life of a man, I again went back to the catechism. I didn't have to search far as the first phrase in the prologue is "The Life of Man, to know and love God".

Again it is reinforced to us that the very purpose of our existence is to know and love God who created us to share his life. He did not create us because he "needed" anything- God is all powerful, all knowing and completely self sufficient. I am overwhelmed when I think about the God who created the universe wanting me and you and all of us to share his life and love, so much so that He sent His son to die to accomplish it.

Dear Lord,

Thank you again for my life that I too often take for granted. Remind me that in every moment of every day, my purpose is not to do what I like with my time and my talents, but to know you, to love you and to make you loved by others.

All Saints Novena Day 2, October 24th 2010

2010-10-23T19:32:00.000-05:00

Our reflection continues on the thought "The glory of God is man fully alive. Using our definition from paragraph 294 of the Catechism, the glory of God is the manifestation and communication of his goodness. So this must mean that to be fully alive is to manifest and communicate the goodness of God.

I'm sure the medical and clinical definition of being alive has to do with the beats of our heart and the activity of our brain waves among other things. But God's definition of being alive is as infinite and vast as He is. And since He is completely and perfectly good, communicating and manifesting his goodness should take everything we have.

I fail so very often at this task, choosing to keep to myself and my own wants and desires rather than seeking Him and how He wants me to communicate His life to others.

Dear Lord, we pray on this day for a more fervent desire to seek your will so that we may more fully communicate and manifest your goodness to all we meet

All Saints Novena Day 1, October 23, 2010

2010-10-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

Our quote begins with “The glory of God” I have to admit I have a vague idea of what glory is, something good attributed to God but I never sought out a definition. I found one in the catechism in paragraph 294. To my surprise, the entire quote on which we will be reflecting for the next nine days is also contained in this paragraph. The definition of the glory of God in this paragraph states: The glory of God consists in the manifestation and communication of his goodness, for which the world was created.

So, on the first day of this novena, let us worship God and thank Him for His goodness, knowing that without his goodness and provision our lives would literally cease.

Dear Lord

Thank you for my life and for your goodness. The ways you have blessed me are too many to count.

Novena in preparation for All Saints Day, November 1, 2010

2010-10-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

Pro Sanctity’s annual novena in preparation for all saints day will highlight our theme for the year: A Saint: Fully Human, Fully Alive. It is based on the following quote from St Irenaeus:

Ever since we got our formation booklet for the year, although I have enjoyed reading what is inside, my mind and heart are continually drawn to this quote on the front cover.

It is a great deal to absorb and I find it hard to grasp all at once, so I thought we could learn and share together about how this quote can inspire us and lead us heavenward.