All saints day novena day 9, October 31st 2010

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 day novena day 9, October 31st 2010

All Saints Novena Day 8 October 30, 2010

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 8 October 30, 2010

All Saints Novena Day 7, October 29th 2010

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 7, October 29th 2010

All Saints Novena Day 6, 10-28-10

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 6, 10-28-10

All Saints Novena Day 5, October 27th 2010

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

All Saints Novena Day 5, October 27th 2010

Fall Activity Update!

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

 

 

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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

 

Fall Activity Update!

All Saints Novena Day 4, October 26, 2010

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 4, October 26, 2010

All Saints Novena Day 3, October 25, 2010

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 3, October 25, 2010

All Saints Novena Day 2, October 24th 2010

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 2, October 24th 2010

All Saints Novena Day 1, October 23, 2010

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.

All Saints Novena Day 1, October 23, 2010

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

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: 

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

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.

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

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary (We are praying this rosary for your intentions)

Mother Teresa speaks:

 

Our Lady is an indispensable companion and the rosary the simple but powerful means to remain united to her:

…apply Mother Teresa’s words to your own life and vocation.

 

First Mystery: Agony in the Garden

We are taught to love and say the Rosary with great devotion; let us be very faithful to this our first love-for it will bring us closer to our Heavenly Mother. Our rule asks of us never to go to the slums without first having recited the Mother’s praises; that is why we have to say the Rosary in the streets and dark holes of the slums. Cling to the Rosary as the creeper clings to the tree-for without Our Lady we cannot stand. Pg. 141

 

Second Mystery: Scourging at the Pillar

I want to become a real slave of Our Lady – to drink only from His chalice of pain and to give Mother Church real saints. I know what I want is above my strength to do the impossible…but He who has given me the desire will also give me the strength to do the impossible… pg. 141

 

Third Mystery: The Crown of Thorns

Mother Teresa as she began her work, it was observed, “Seeing her poorly dressed in a simple humble sari, with a Rosary in her hand, was like seeing the Gospel come alive, making Jesus present among the poorest. On could say a Light has dawned in the darkness of the slums” Pg. 131

 

Fourth Mystery: Carrying of the Cross

My God give me courage now-this moment-to persevere in following your call...today my God-what tortures of loneliness. I wonder how long my heart will suffer this…Let me not draw back from the sacrifice I have made of my free choice and conviction. – Immaculate Heart of Mary, have pity on thy poor child. For love of thee I want to live and die as a Missionary of Charity. pg140

 

Fifth Mystery: Crucifixion

The missionary must die daily, if she wants to bring souls to God. She must be ready to pay the price He paid for souls, to walk in the way He walked in search for souls. Pg. 140

 

(Quotations from Mother Teresa, Come Be My Light)

 

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RETREAT

St. Benedict Center, Schuyler, NE, November 2010

For Immediate Release- please spread the news…

 

On November 5 - 7, 2010, a weekend retreat, titled, “In the Shadow of Our Lady,” directed by Monsignor Andrew J. Vaccari and Teresa Monaghen, A.O., will take place at St. Benedict Center, 4 mi. N. of Schuyler on Hwy. 15.  The retreat begins on Friday, at 7:30 p.m. and ends on Sunday after lunch.  The program fee is $ 60; the costs for room and board are additional.  Please register early by calling Saint Benedict Center (402) 352-8819 or visit www.StBenedictCenter.com.

 

 

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).

Questions on the retreat or transportation call or write Teresa: psm@prosanctity.org or 402-289-2670

 

 

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary (We are praying this rosary for your intentions)