1 October 2012 St Therese of the Child Jesus (‘The Little Flower’), Virgin and Doctor of the Church. Outstanding for her humility, simplicity, and confidence in God, she offered her life for the salvation of souls and for the Church. Universal Patroness of the missions. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1657) St Therese of the Child Jesus A spirit ... makes us cry out “Abba! Father!” It would perhaps be difficult to find words more incisive, and at the same time more gripping, to describe the particular charisma of Thérèse Martin, that which constituted the quite special gift of her heart and became a particular gift to the Church through her heart. A gift marvellous in its simplicity, a universal and at the same time unique gift. It may be said with conviction of Theresa of Lisieux that the Holy Spirit permitted her heart to reveal the fundamental mystery, the reality of the Gospel, directly to the people of our time. The “little way” is the way of the “holy childhood”. There is something unique to this way -- the genius of St Theresa of Lisieux. This most fundamental and most universal truth was in a certain sense rediscovered through the interior experience of her heart and the form which her whole life took, a life of only twenty-four years. She felt behind her the memory of a child “trusting” even to heroism and consequently, “free” even to heroism. In her Carmel, Theresa felt especially united to all the Church’s missions and missionaries throughout the world. She felt herself to be “missionary”. She has been proclaimed patroness of the missions by the Church. ‘Abba! Father!’ Thanks to her, the whole Church has found again all the simplicity and all the freshness of that cry, which has its origin and source in the heart of Christ himself. Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, 1984, p345 ‘And who is my neighbor?’ In answering this question Jesus intended to expose the selfish teaching of the doctors of the synagogue. They recognized as neighbors only their own citizens who were just, a title which they brought to themselves. Jesus replied: “A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went off, leaving him half-dead. By chance a priest was going down that road, and saw the man, but passed by on the other side. A Levite, too saw him, and passed by the other side.” (cf Lk 10:30-32) Jesus wants to show through this parable the charity wanting among the priests and Levites. How consoling to compare this situation to the infinite charity of our priests; and the laity nobly second their efforts. Jesus contrasts the miserable selfishness of the priest and Levite to the noble generosity of a Samaritan, whom the Jews would not recognize as a neighbor. “But a certain Samaritan came near ... seeing him, was moved to pity. He went to him, dressed his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own beast, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver pieces, gave them to the innkeeper and said: ‘Look after him; if there is any further expense I will repay you on my way back’.” (Lk 10:33-5) Jesus evidently wished us to understand that-- First, we should look upon all, without exception, as our neighbors, even though they may be of a different nation or religion, as were the Jews and Samaritans; Second, the only charity which is worth having is that which shows itself by deeds; and Third, the simple, when their hearts are right, understand their duty better than learned men who are proud. A Samaritan set an example to a Jew, a layman, and a priest. Jesus then asked the lawyer, “‘Which of these three, do you think, made himself neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who had mercy on him’. Jesus replied, ‘Go and do the same’.” (cf Lk 10:36-7) Jesus tells us that our charity, like the Samaritan’s, should be active and generous. That we should exercise it at the expense of our personal comfort, health, even our life, if our neighbor’s salvation requires it. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp618-21 The Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians Who Recite the Rosary: 1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by recitation of the rosary, shall receive the signal graces. Ref: Attributed to St Dominic from the writings of Blessed Alan de la Roche, OP. (In Rev J A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, p73) Meditations on the Litany of Loreto ‘Holy Mary, pray for us’ -- Since, in the Litany of our Blessed Lady, the Church teaches us to ask this good Mother so many times to pray for us, it will be well before meditation upon her titles, to consider the great power which her prayers have with God. Blessed is that person for whom Mary prays. Jesus rejoices when his most Beloved Mother prays to him, that he may have the pleasure of granting her all she asks. St Bernard says, ‘To be heard by the Son is to be graciously heard. Mary has only to speak, and her Son grants her all that she asks. Let us, therefore, pray to this divine Mother, without ceasing, if we wish to secure our eternal salvation ...’ Ref: “The Glories of Mary”. In “Documentation Service”, V:318 Mary Our Mother “Predestined from eternity by that decree of Divine Providence which determined the Incarnation of the Word to be the Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin was on this earth the virgin Mother of the Redeemer, and above all others and in a singular way, the generous associate and humble handmaid of the Lord. She conceived, brought forth, and nourished Christ, she presented Him to the Father in the temple; and was united with him by compassion as he died on the Cross. In this singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope and burning charity in the work of the Savior in giving back supernatural life to souls. Wherefore she is our mother in the order of grace.” Ref: Second Vatican Council, “Constitution on the Church”, n.61 • Foundation of the Abbey “de la Couronne”, of the order of St Augustine, in the diocese of Angouleme, under the title of Our Lady, by Lambert, who was its first abbot, in the year 1122. — Gallia Christiana, t. iv. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Foundation of the Abbey “de la Couronne”, Angouleme (1122). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html) • Foundation of Couronne Abbey in Mary’s honor. Angouleme 1122. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Foundation of the Crown Abbey in Mary's honor, 1122. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady, Queen and Protectress of Nigeria. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of Prokov (The Protectress of the Byzantine Slavonic Church). (http://www/mariedenazareth.com) • Holy Protection of the Mother of God. History of this feast in Byzantine Catholic Church. Orthodox liturgy. In 911 AD, when Constantinople was besieged, St Andrew of Constantinople saw Mary, John the Baptist, and John the Theologian enter a church in Constantinople. "She spread her cloak over the congregation as symbol of protection, and city was spared." (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Holy Protection of the Mother of God. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Patronage of Our Lady. Moveable feast -- A day in October or November. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

30 September 2012 St Jerome, priest and Doctor of the Church Secretary of Pope Damasus who commissioned him to revise the Latin text of the Bible. He worked on this project in Bethlehem. The Church adopted his work now known as the Vulgate, as the official version. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1655) ‘With thy whole heart, soul, strength and mind’ A lawyer stood up and asked Jesus, “Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 10:25) He was not serious; but only hoped to get some answer which might later be turned against Jesus. Our Lord, therefore, would have been justified in ignoring him. For the sake of the audience, he chose to reply. Should unprincipled persons ask questions in a testing spirit or pretend to show doubts about the faith, do not discuss with them believing they are sincere (they would only laugh at us). Unless the honor of our religion required it, or an opportunity of explaining things to others who are present. As in this case, do nothing rashly. Our Lord did not say to all, ‘I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries will not be able to resist and deny’. Jesus, in showing that the lawyer’s question was not instructive, replied, “What is written in the law?” (Lk 10:26) He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself”. Jesus said, “You answered right; do this and you will live” (Lk 10:27-8). ‘With all your heart.’ To love nothing but God. Nothing except in and for God. To be habitually disposed to do or suffer anything to please God. To desire only what leads to God; hate all that turns us away. ‘With all your soul.’ To be ready to give our life for God. To lose everything rather than lose the grace of God. To banish from our mind every thought which could displease God, or hinder an intimacy with him. ‘With all your strength.’ To spare no trouble to advance the glory of God. To consecrate to him our time, talents, body, health, rest and every energy of our soul. ‘With all your mind.’ To be ever striving for a better knowledge of the infinite perfections and will of God. The lawyer, mortified by exposure of his insincerity, wished to set himself right with those present. He, therefore, asked, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus, answering him by the parable of the Good Samaritan [Lk 10:25-37], exposed all the pride, malice, and selfishness which lurked in his heart, and in those of his colleagues, doctors, but really corruptors of the law. By trying to justify ourselves like this proud lawyer, we make our position worse before God and men. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp616-8 Peace of Mind “Diligently and accurately handle all the affairs of which you are in charge, but if possible do not be unduly worried about them. Do not let them upset and disturb you. In taking care of them, never torment yourself, for such anxieties make clear-thinking difficult and prevent your doing other things well. If you practice this advice, you will succeed in discharging your duties very meritoriously for, beyond doubt, time employed calmly is spent most efficaciously.” Ref: St Francis de Sales, “Spiritual Diary”, pp178-9. In “The Vatican II Weekday Missal”, 1975, p1156 Jesus is the object of our charity Jesus, in citing the parable of the Good Samaritan, speaks about sins of omission. Those who ‘passed by on the other side’ did not inflict any fresh injuries on the abandoned and badly-wounded wayfarer. Neither did they steal whatever he had left, nor insult him. They had worries of their own, they didn’t want any complications, they had better things to do. Minding their own business was more important than what the man needs. Therein lay their sin. That service which they omitted to offer the injured wayfarer would have merited the same praise Our Lord gave to Mary Magdalen: “she has done a beautiful thing to me” (Mk 14:6). Since anything we do for others we do for God. Christ awaits us in the person in need. Our interests, what we like doing, not to mention any self-indulgence, must all take second place to the needs of others. Jesus ends with a friendly word: ‘Go and do likewise’, ie, be understanding, involved and compassionate with whoever needs you. To heed this advice we must have recourse to the Blessed Virgin. “There is no heart more human than that of a person overflowing with supernatural sense. Think of our Mother Mary, who is full of grace, Daughter of God the Father, Mother of God the Son, Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Her heart has room for all humanity and makes no distinction or discrimination. Every person is her son or her daughter.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 801) Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:133-4; 136 Mary Our Mother “Dearly beloved, this is the faith we share with you: “We honor Mary as the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God. We recognize her unique and exalted role in the redemption her Son brought to men. We love Mary. We try to imitate her virtues of faith, purity, humility and conformity to the will of God, which are part of the very texture of the Gospel message. “We acknowledge that devotion to Mary, our joyful duty, has a special function in exalting the dignity of woman and fostering respect for her person. We believe in the power of Mary’s intercession to bring us under the influence of Christ’s redeeming mercy. “We have contemplated our Lady with joy, pondering her holiness, generosity, hope, burning love, wholehearted dedication in faith to the saving work of her Son. We believe the Father gave her to us as a ‘model of virtues for the whole community of the elect’. May her pilgrimage of faith strengthen our Christian vocations. May her loving desire that her Son’s words be heeded hasten Christian unity. May her motherly intercession make us worthy of the promises of Christ.” Ref: Pastoral letter of the U.S. Bishops, “Behold Your Mother”, nn. 7- 9, 146. In “The Vatican II Weekday Missal”, 1975, pp1420-21 • Our Lady of Beaumont, in Lorraine between Domremy and Vauconleurs. Joan of Arc very often retired into this church, to commend the affairs of France to the Queen of heaven and earth, who ordered her to take up arms to deliver that kingdom. — Triple Couronne, traite 3, ch. 7. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Beaumont (in Lorraine at Domremy). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady of Beaumont in Lorraine at Domremy 12th Century. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Beaumont, Lorraine, France (12th Century). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html) • “Notre Dame de Beaumont”. Beaumont is a town in Auvergne, France. History: Built approximately 1060, the site of many pilgrimages and miracles. Gothic church. Pictures and story of the ancient chapel. Church contains a painting of Joan of Arc made during her lifetime. “Notre Dame de Beaumont” in the life of Saint Hervé. In the life of the Curé of Ars (same story in Norwegian). (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Mother of Mercy Pasig, Rizal PHL. Moveable feast -- Last Sunday [30 Sept 2012] in September. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Maipu – Queen of Chile. Moveable feast -- Last Sunday [30 Sept 2012] in September. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)

29 September 2012 Ss Michael, Gabriel and Raphael: Archangels Michael (‘Who is like God?’), the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity and reminds us of the real existence of the devil and of diabolical activity. To protect us from the snares of the devil, it is good to have recourse to St Michael. Gabriel (‘Strength of God’) announced to Zechariah the birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. His greeting, ‘Hail, full of grace’ is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of Christians. Raphael (‘Medicine of God’) is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey. Every person on his pilgrimage through life also has a guardian angel with a mission similar to Raphael’s. Ref: Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1652 The mission of the Archangels The angels continually praise God. As planned by Divine Providence “they play a part in the Almighty’s dominion over creation as ‘mighty doers of his word’.” (Ps 102) ... Their mission as ambassadors of God extends to entire nations too. Men call on angels and archangels every day, at every hour, within the Mass. Pope John Paul II often invokes an ancient prayer: “St Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle and be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.” (Fr Charles Belmonte & Fr James Socias [Eds], “Handbook of Prayers”, 1988, p220) The Lord wants us to be apostles of all that is positive, good and noble by “drowning evil in an abundance of good” (Rom 12:21). Like St Gabriel, may we, too be bearers of good news for the family and the world. Many are bent on spreading evil. May we exert more effort into radiating goodness, starting from our family. St Raphael is venerated as the patron of both travellers and of the sick. (cf Benedict Baur, “The Light of the World”, Barcelona 1959) Life is a long journey that ends in God who points out to each one of us the personal vocation that leads to him. St Raphael is a special guide for whoever need to know what God expects of them in life. ‘Cor Mariae dulcissimum iter para tutum.’ May the most sweet Heart of Mary prepare for them and for us a sure path. ‘Cor Mariae dulcissimum iter serva tutum.’ Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:165-6; 176; 178; 180; 182 ‘My yoke is sweet and my burden light’ Jesus devoted himself especially to his chosen disciples; but he did not neglect the people. His compassionate love extended to every child in Israel. Later on, it embraced the whole world, through the ministry of his Apostles and disciples. To imbue in them this spirit of tender universal love, he preached, “Come to me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (Mt 11:28). He excludes no one; but prefers those whom the world despises: the poor, ignorant, unfortunate. We must never allow ourselves to be disgusted or disheartened. Jesus, who acts in and for us, is all-powerful. He will sustain us by his grace. He will bring us through all our difficulties, all the trials which our nature shrinks from. ‘But thanks be to God, who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Jesus, after inviting all seeking relief from sufferings due to our human nature, appeals to those deceived by the devil’s promises. Having submitted to the devil’s yoke, they find added remorse to their former pains. “Take up my yoke and learn from me; for I am meek, and humble of heart; you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, my burden light.” (cf Mt 11:30) We have accepted our Lord’s invitation to submit to His Law and follow His counsels. But there may have been years of service to the world, of slavery to our passions, before we turned to Him. The more we believe the truth of ‘My yoke is easy’, the greater will be our fervor. ‘You shall find rest for your soul’ which the world does not know, and cannot give. A rest with spiritual joys, a foretaste of the bliss of heaven. ‘Learn from me ...’ In order to taste this delicious peace our Lord promises to whoever serve him faithfully, we must be fervent, gentle, humble; patiently bearing all injuries, and returning good for evil. To get and keep these good dispositions, which are against our natural inclinations, we must always have before us our Lord’s example and glorious promises. This will make everything easy and delightful. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp614-6 ‘Our Lady of the Tears’ From all over the world are reported statues of Mary weeping. Most recently, are reports that Mary has begun weeping tears of blood as a sign of the impending chastisement. As Jesus wept tears of blood during his agony in the Garden of Olives, so too are statues of Mary now shedding tears of blood instead of water. Mary is sending a message. At Akita, Japan, the statue, a reproduction of ‘Our Lady of All Nations’ as she appeared in Amsterdam, sweated fluid and wept blood. The seeress’ spiritual director witnessed the statue crying 98 times of the total 101 instances. Hundreds also saw the statue weep which happened for the first time on 4 January 1975. On 22 April 1984, the Bishop of Niigata, declared the events at Akita to be supernatural. Ref: Ted and Maureen Flynn, “The Thunder of Justice”, 1993, pp103, 182-4, 191-2 Why 101 times? The meaning of the 101 times that Mary’s statue wept during a six-year period was explained by the Guardian Angel of Sister Agnes Sasagawa, the seeress. “This signifies that sin came into the world by a woman and it is also by a woman that salvation came to the world. The zero between the two signifies the Eternal God who is from all eternity until eternity. The first one represents Eve and the last, the Virgin Mary.” Ref: Fr Edgardo Arellano, SDB, “20th Century Marian Apparitions”, 1991, p143 • Our Lady of Tongres, in the diocese of Cambray. This image, in the year 1081, was taken into a garden where the Bishop of Cambray erected a church. — Triple Couronne, n. 1602. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Tongres (diocese of Cambrai, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady of Tongres, France (1081). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com) • Our Lady of Tongres, diocese of Cambrai, France 1081. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Apparition of the “Madonna di Tirano” to Blessed Mario Omodei. Italy, 1504. Site of a basilica built the next year. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

28 September 2012 Ss Lorenzo Ruiz and companions, martyrs They shed their blood for Christ in Nagasaki, Japan (1633-1637). Members of the Order of Saint Dominic, there were nine priests, two religious, two sisters, and three laymen. Among the latter was Lorenzo, a family man from the Philippines. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1652) Lorenzo of Binondo, Manila is a Chinese mestizo, the first Filipino to be canonized by the Church. (Nick Joaquin, “Manila, My Manila”, 1990, p52) “I shall die for God and for him I will give many thousands of lives if I have them” are words attributed to St Lorenzo Ruiz when offered freedom if he renounces his religion. The return and joys of the Seventy-two The seventy-two had achieved a great success, because they had faithfully observed our Lord’s directions. Obedience made them victors over men and devils. “An obedient man shall speak of victory. And the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, the devils also are subject to us in your name’.” (Lk 10:17) Their joy was legitimate. Yet we gather from our Lord’s reply that it was not completely free from a vain complacency. He said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Lk 10:18). Meaning, ‘Take care, beware of vainglory; it leads to pride, and pride can make you fall, as it made Lucifer and his angels fall from heaven’. Let us learn two things from this episode: 1) follow the rule of obedience; this will ensure us success in all we do. 2) To be on guard against the subtle approach of vainglory, which follows so naturally in the train of success, and which will rob us of all our merit. The joy of the disciples arose from their success. Jesus wished to show them that this motive was wrong; success does not depend on ourselves nor justify us, and will not always give us a claim to a reward. He pointed to them, and through them to us, a more substantial motive: “Rejoice not in this, that spirits are subject to you; but rejoice in this that your names are written in heaven” (Lk 10:20); or, in the Book of Life. We may wish for success in our good works; even try to obtain it. We may also rejoice at our success, and be sorry if we fail; but, above all, our intention must be pure: God’s glory alone and our neighbor’s good. Why does too often failure dishearten us? Clearly because we think more of our own glory than we do for God. We know that God does not require us to succeed in everything; and if the failure is not due to our negligence, it will not lessen the reward of our labor. Is the spirit of self-seeking our motive to eagerly work and receive credit; but reluctant to engage in what cannot bring us notice? We must raise our thoughts to heaven; above all this wretched self-love. Let our happiness and joy be in pleasing God, in having our name written on the heart of Jesus, in the Book of Life. Jesus tenderly loved his disciples. He sympathized and rejoiced with them for he knew that their joy was a gift bestowed on them by his heavenly Father. “He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, for such was your glorious will.’” (Lk 10:21) When our colleague succeeds, rejoice with him. If he surpasses us in ability or in virtue, let us not allow secret jealousy to enter our heart. Instead give thanks to God for having enriched him with such gifts. We share in them as members of the same mystical body. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp611-3 Holy Mary, 'Cause of our joy' For 2,000 years the source of our joy has been the Church. Jesus brought it and remained in the form of his Mystical Body. The happiest persons are those who are closest to Christ. Thus no one is more joyful than Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother. She who is “full of grace” (Lk 1:28) is consequently, full of joy. Close to Mary, we live a blessed life. She overflows with joy and spreads it through creation. “The voice and words of Mary must be like a divine music that resounds in the depths of souls to generate such an ever-renewing joy, filling them with peace and love. In praying the Holy Rosary and in the Litany, we call her ‘Cause of our joy’.” (cf A Orozco, “Looking to Mary”) She is the ‘Gate of heaven’, doorway to God. Passing by, she transforms everything. Sadness is banished. Shadows give way to light. Hope and love are ignited. To be with the Virgin is not the same as without her! Through our joy let us bring our friends and relatives to God. Mary, ‘Cause of our joy’, will help us to spread peace and joy wherever we go. This is one of our greatest treasures as Christians; what the world is really searching for in its misguided quest for happiness in the possession of material things. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:155-6 “The family that prays together stays together” An American missionary priest who used to work for many years in Abra related how his three nieces would rebel praying the rosary as a family. But pray they did. After college, the girls went on separate ways and eventually got married. As the uncle-priest took his home-vacations, he observed that the families of the nieces were strong, stable. Their classmates in college, however, were not as lucky. A good number had turbulent marriages which ended in divorces. The girls themselves attributed their robust, enduring family relationships to their rosary devotion which, as teens, they used to balk. Contrary to accusation by non-Catholics citing “Matthew 6:7” as “sheer multiplication of words” and “vain repetition to gain God’s hearing”, the rosary is a meditative prayer. The repetitions are not to influence God, but to quiet the mind and CENTER our self on the great events of our redemption. Ref: In Fr Bel R San Luis, SVD, “Word Alive”, “Manila Bulletin”, 7 October 1995 • Our Lady of Cambron, of the order of Citeaux, in Hainault, near Mons. It is said that this image, being struck by a wicked man, in the year 1322, bled copiously. — Histoire Camberon., Duaci. ann. 1602. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Cambron, France (1322). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Cambron. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)

27 September 2012 St Vincent de Paul, priest Dedicated to evangelization of the poor, unfortunate, and suffering. His life remained deeply rooted in humility despite his worldwide fame. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1650) St Vincent de Paul This genial initiator’s vocation of charitable social action yet lights the path of his sons and his daughters, of laity giving in his spirit, of young people seeking the key to an existence usefully expended in gift of self. To serve the poor better, Vincent willed “to gather around him churchmen free of all benefices so as to be able to apply themselves entirely under the good pleasure of the bishops, to salvation of poor people of the fields, through preaching, catechism and general confession, without taking any reward of any sort ...” That group of priests called “Lazarists”, developed rapidly into the Congregation of the Mission. Vincent never ceased from inculcating “the spirit of the Lord” into his companions. He summed up that spirit in five fundamental virtues: simplicity, gentleness toward one’s neighbor, humility as regards oneself; and, as a condition of those three virtues, mortification and zeal, their dynamic aspects. His exhortations to those he sent to preach the Gospel are full of spiritual wisdom and pastoral realism: it is not a question of being loved for one’s own sake but of making Jesus Christ loved. Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, 1984, p339 St Marie-Louise de Marillac Another aspect of the dynamism and realism of Vincent de Paul was seen in giving a unified and effective structure to the “Charities” which had multiplied. Under the guidance of Monsieur Vincent, Louise de Marillac was assigned to inspecting and supporting the “Charities”. She did wonders and her radiance did much to make a number of “good country girls”, already helping in the “Charities”, decide to follow her example of total oblation to God and the poor. The ‘Company of the Daughters of Charity’ saw the light on 29 November 1633. Vincent de Paul gave it an original and highly demanding rule: “For your monastery, have the chambers of the sick; for cells, rented rooms; for a chapel, the parish church; for cloisters, the city streets; for enclosure, obedience; for a grill, fear of God; for a veil, holy modesty.” The Company’s spirit was summed up by him as follows: “You must do what the Son of God did on earth. You must give life to these poor sick, the life of the body and the life of the soul.” Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, 1984, p340 Mission of the seventy-two disciples Jesus left Jerusalem after warning his disciples against the wiles of the Pharisees. He wished to visit and preach in other towns and villages of Judaea. A great work and little time to do it; the end was approaching -- only six months away. To achieve his mission better and to train disciples who could work afar, “He appointed also other seventy-two; and he sent them two and two into every city and place where he himself was to come” (cf Lk 10:1). These new missionaries received nearly the same instructions as the Apostles did: “I send you as lambs among wolves; carry neither purse, nor money, nor shoes, and salute no man by the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you ... “But if they receive you not, go out into the streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your city that clings to us we wipe off against you’ ... I tell you, it will be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that city. Yet you know this, the kingdom of God is at hand” (cf Lk 10:3-12) for those who will repent. Let these divine lessons sink deep into our hearts; follow them closely. They may be summed: gentleness, selflessness, constancy, conciliation, simplicity, recollectedness: tempered by mercy and repentance. The words of Jesus against the cities which rejected the word of God should inspire us with a holy fear: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the mighty works that have been wrought in you, they would have done penance long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at judgment than for you. And you, Capharnaum, which is exalted to heaven, you will be thrust down to hell.” (Lk 10:13-5) We have not been less favored with the gifts of grace than the inhabitants of Capharnaum. Have we corresponded with them as we should? Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp609-611 To obey as Christ did A person who exercises authority in imitation of Christ, truly serves. Jesus taught us that service means obedience. “He became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:8) This is the context of authority which is a good. Authority in the Church is more than a good; but a blessing. Without authority, the Church could not exist as its Founder desires. We must look upon authority in the Church with eyes of faith. Christ meets us in the instructions ecclesiastical authorities give. The great enemy of authority and community is self-love, which we will all suffer from; our inheritance of Original Sin. We must be humble. A proud person will seek any excuse to avoid obedience. Let us wholeheartedly and cheerfully resolve to obey God’s command. “Nowadays the world we live in is full of disobedience and gossip, of intrigue and conspiracy. So, more than ever we have to love obedience, sincerity, loyalty and simplicity; and our love of all these will have a supernatural significance, will make us more human.” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 36) Let us go to the protection of our holy Mother Mary. She, who wanted to be \ “the handmaiden of the Lord” (Lk 1:38). She will teach us the full meaning of that glorious Christian motto: “to serve is to reign”. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 530) Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:61-2 • Our Lady of Good-meeting, half a league from Agde. This image, made of baked clay, was discovered miraculously, in the year 1523. — Triple Couronne, n. 34. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Happy Meeting (near Agde). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady of Happy Meeting / Assembly. Le Laus, France. 1664. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of Happy Assemby, Le Laus, France (1664). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com) • Our Lady of Le Laus / Our Lady of Happy Meetings near Adge, Le Laus, France 1664. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)

26 September 2012 ‘I believe, Lord.’ The great miracle Jesus wrought on the blind man exasperated the Pharisees beyond measure. They were determined to damage his reputation, either by questioning the truth of the miracle, or by charging him with breaking the law by doing it on the sabbath. They had the blind man and his parents brought before the council. The latter declared he is their son, and that he was born blind. The man in turn declared again it was Jesus who had spread clay on his eyes and told him to wash, which he did; and was cured. Unable to reject the fact, they tried to deny Jesus the sign of his divinity. “This man is not of God”, they said, “for he does not observe the sabbath” (Jn 9:16). He must, then, be an agent of the devil. They tried in every way to make the man think so, but to no avail. He said -- “Never since the world began, has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of one born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (Jn 9:32-3) Ashamed and angry at seeing themselves refuted by an ignorant beggar; and having no arguments against him, they said, “You were wholly born in sins, and you teach us? And they drove him out.” (Jn 9:34) It is for our instruction and consolation that the Holy Spirit caused these details to be recorded. Thus, let us understand better, and hate more, the base passion of envy. What did it do for the Pharisees? Dishonor! If we are the object of envy, fear not. As long as truth and virtue are on our side, it will do us more good than harm. Everything our Lord’s envious enemies did against him enhanced the truth of this miracle; thus, of his divinity. “All things work together for good to those who love God.” (Rom 8:28) What is more consoling? The man’s courage in glorifying Jesus before the council was aptly rewarded. “Jesus heard that they had driven him out. When Jesus found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘Who is he, sir? Tell me so I may believe in him.’ Jesus replied, ‘You have seen him; he talks to you’. He said, ‘Lord, I believe’. Falling down, he adored him.” (cf Jn 9:35-8) Thus was sight given to his soul and body. Tradition is, he followed Jesus; one of the seventy-two disciples. The companion in exile of Lazarus, they miraculously landed on the coast of France, successfully labored as an apostle. He died at ‘Aix en Provence’. Let us thank our Lord with all our heart for having opened our eyes and revealed himself to us in a special way. Making us understand his counsels. That we may know more of his divine perfections, love him more and try to show our love by making others know and love him as much as we can. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp607-9 The Obedience of Faith 144 To obey (from the Latin ‘ob-audire’, to “hear or listen to”) in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard, because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself. Abraham is the model of such obedience offered us by Sacred Scripture. The Virgin Mary, its most perfect embodiment. 145 The “Letter to the Hebrews” ... emphasizes Abraham’s faith: “By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was to go.” (Heb 11:8; cf Gen 12:1-4) By faith, he lived as a stranger and pilgrim in the promised land. (cf Gen 23:4) By faith, Sarah was given to conceive the son of the promise. And by faith Abraham offered his only son in sacrifice. (cf Heb 11:17) 146 Abraham fulfills the definition of faith in “Hebrews 11:1”: “... the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen; Abraham believed God, reckoned to him as righteousness (Rom 4:3; cf Gen 15:6). ... “strong in his faith”, Abraham became the “father of all who believe.” (Rom 4:11,18;4:20; cf Gen 15:5) 148 The Virgin Mary most perfectly embodies the obedience of faith. By faith Mary welcomes the tidings and promise brought by the angel Gabriel, believing that “with God nothing will be impossible” and so giving her assent: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:37-8; cf Gen 18:14) Elizabeth greeted her: “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Lk 1:45) It is for this faith that all generations have called Mary blessed. (cf Lk 1:48) 149 Throughout her life and until her last ordeal (cf Lk 2:35) when Jesus her Son died on the cross, Mary’s faith never wavered. She never ceased to believe in the fulfilment of God’s word. And so the Church venerates in Mary the purest realization of faith. 150 Faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God. At the same time, and inseparably, it is a ‘free assent to the whole truth God has revealed’. ... Ref: “Catechism of the Catholic Church”, 1994, pp45-6 God does not ask the impossible It is really Jesus who makes sanctity a reality. However, He wishes to acknowledge our collaboration, which we give by obeying what has been pointed out to us, although it might seem insignificant. This leads to a cheerful ascetical struggle which will never be tiresome. To grow in virtue we must heed and practise what our Lord is saying to us, often through intermediaries. “What a sublime example of this docility is given to all of us by the Most Holy Virgin, Mary of Nazareth. She pronounced her fiat of total availability to God’s design, and the Spirit began in her the realization of the plan of salvation.” (John Paul II, “Address”, 30 May 1981) Our Lord wants us to truly desire to be saints realised in specific deeds. We ask our Mother Mary to help us become ever more docile to the Holy Spirit, growing in virtue by striving to attain the little goals of each day. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:575-7; 580 • Our Lady of Victory, at Tournay. The inhabitants carried the keys of the city into the church of Our Lady, in the year 1340, because they knew that the Queen of heaven alone was able to deliver them from the English, who had besieged them for forty days; they had no sooner testified this confidence in the Blessed Virgin, than the siege was raised, when the inhabitants had hardly provisions left for three days. — Archives of Tournay. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Victory at Tournay (1340). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html) (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady of Victory. Tournay, France 1340. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Victory. Tournay / Tourney, France. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

25 September 2012 Miraculous cure of the man born blind Jesus, before leaving Jerusalem, wished to give his enemies, although still unworthy, another proof of his divinity: a striking and irresistible proof which everyone should hear and then bring before the synagogue. “Jesus saw a man who was blind from his birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; but that the works of God might be revealed in him’.” (Jn 9:1-3) Our Lord in his answer, and the Apostles in their question, speak only with reference to the blindness. They had doubtless committed sin; for ‘there is no just man upon earth that does good and sins not’. But the blindness was not sent as a punishment for any sin. Suffering in this world is not ‘always’ consequent to actual sin. Afflictions may not be chastisements but trials which God permits to fall upon even the greatest saints, for his own glory, and to increase their merits. So it was in the case of Job, of Tobias, of many other saints, both in the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, we should never lose our confidence or get discouraged when the hand of God is upon us. We should rather rejoice as St James distinctly tells us. (cf Jas 1:12) Again, in speaking of the misfortunes of the wicked, we should not always conclude as signs of God’s displeasure. The same might be said of us. “Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, spread the mud on the man’s eyes, and told him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloe’ (meaning ‘Sent’). He went and washed; and came back able to see.” (Jn 9:6-7) We hardly know which to admire most, the trial to which the blind man’s faith and obedience was subjected, or the readiness with which he did what he was told, without objecting, as he might have naturally done. Let this story confirm our faith, teach us to leave ourselves entirely in the hands of God, and to render him a ‘blind’ obedience. We see here at once both merit and reward. What further encouragement do we need? Everyone knows the blind man, a beggar. Naturally his cure is well-known. “The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, ask, ‘Is this not he who begged?’ Some said, ‘It is he’. Others said, ‘No, it is someone like him’. But he said, ‘I am the man’. They therefore, asked, ‘How were your eyes opened?’ He replied, ‘The man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloe and wash’. I went, I washed and I received my sight.’” (cf Jn 9:8-12) The blind man attributed his cure directly to Jesus. Following this example, let us believe and openly profess our belief. We owe to God alone all physical and spiritual good we do. This is the best way to avoid vainglory and obtain fresh favors from God. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp605-7 In Christ’s Boat After preaching from Peter’s boat, Jesus tells the fisherman, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch!” (Lk 5:4) Trusting in Christ’s word, they obey and haul in a wonderful catch. Turning to Peter who, like James and John, cannot hide his astonishment, the Lord explains, “‘Fear not; henceforth you shall be fishers of men.’ And having brought their boats to land, leaving all things, they followed him.” (Lk 5:10-11) Your boat (talents, hopes, achievements) is worth nothing whatsoever, unless you leave it in Christ’s hands, allowing him freedom to come aboard. Make sure that you don’t turn it into an idol. In your boat, if you try to be by yourself without the Master, you are, supernaturally speaking, making straight for shipwreck. Only if you allow and seek his presence and captaincy, will you be safe from the storms and setbacks of life. Place everything in God’s hands. Let your thoughts, the brave adventures you have imagined, your lofty human ambitions, your noble loves, pass through the heart of Christ. Otherwise, sooner or later, they will all sink to the bottom together with your selfishness. Let us ask our Lady to intercede for us: let us live by faith; persevere with hope; remain very close to Jesus; really, really love him; live out and enjoy our adventure of love, for we are in love, in love with God; allow Christ to come aboard our poor boat, and take possession of our souls as Lord and Master; show him sincerely that we are going to try to live in his presence always, day and night, for he has called us to the faith. Ref: Cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 1981, 21, 22 Obedience in closely following Christ The primary reason why obedience is so essential for the disciple of Christ is its being part of the mystery of Redemption: “Christ revealed to us his mystery; by his obedience he brought about our redemption.” (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 3) Thus, anyone who wishes to follow the Master’s footsteps cannot place any limits to his obedience. Jesus taught us to obey in easy things and in heroic things, because “He obeyed in things which were very weighty and difficult: unto death on the Cross” (St Thomas, “Commentary on Hebrews, 5, 8, 2”). Obedience makes us want to identify our will in everything with the Will of God. This Will is manifested through our parents, superiors and normal duties of family, social and professional life. In a special way, God’s Will for our soul is revealed in spiritual direction. God expects of us, therefore, an upright conduct, which is characterized at every moment by the refined and cheerful manner in which we are subject, for his sake, to all forms of lawful authority, and in the first place to the Roman Pontiff and the Church’s Magisterium. Our Mother the Virgin Mary, ‘Stella Maris’, Star of the Sea, will teach us to be generous with God when he wants us to give him our entire life. We shouldn’t set any condition in order to follow him. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:540; 542 • Our Lady of Passer, at Rodez. This image having been often removed from the place where it was, to another place, was always found again at its old post, which made it necessary to build a church there. — Triple Couronne, n. 53.) (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Passer. Rhodes, Greece. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of Passer (at Rhodes). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Madonna, Divine Shepherdess. Spain. 1703. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)

24 September 2012 Our Lady of Ransom A pious tradition is that one night Our Lady appeared to King James I of Aragon, to St Raymond of Peñafort and to St Peter Nolasco to ask them to establish the ‘Order of Ransomers’ whose purpose would be to ransom captives from the Moors. Today’s feast commemorates the event. Our Lady of Ransom is Patroness of Barcelona, Spain. Innocent XII extended the feast to the entire Church in the 17th century. (cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:159) Mary, Intercessor for the persecuted and those bound in sin The most holy Virgin is venerated under the title ‘Our Lady of Ransom’ in many parts of Aragon and Catalonia (in Spain) and in Latin America. “The symbols and images of Our Lady of Ransom, broken chains and open cell doors, remind us of her role as our liberator. She opens her arms in an offer of the freedom won for us by her Son the Redeemer.” (A Vazquez, “Our Lady of Ransom”, Madrid 1988) Nowadays the order’s principal mission is towards freeing souls from the chains of sin, an enslavement worse than any prison. Today we can pray in a special way for our brothers and sisters who are somehow marginalized because of their faith. The unbloody persecution Catholics have experienced from the beginning of the Church remains even in countries with a long Christian tradition. The Redeemer still passes by carrying the cross and continues to suffer through the baptized. “He does not weep in heaven, but here on earth where he lives and endures contradiction and adversity. Jesus weeps in each person who suffers. If we do not help stem the flow of these tears we cannot truly say we love him.” ( W van Straaten, “Where God Weeps”, pp7-8) The Church applies this Old Testament song of jubilation to ‘Our Lady of Ransom’, the ‘new Judith’, who with her ‘Fiat’ cooperates uniquely to effect our salvation. Mary, the faithful Mother who stands bravely beside the cross as her Son sheds his blood for our salvation and reconciles all things to himself in peace. (“Preface”, Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ‘Queen of Peace’) We approach ‘Our Lady of Ransom’ as a powerful intercessor to move our friends, relatives and colleagues to draw closer to her Son, especially through the Sacrament of Penance. She will bring relief and renewed strength to those who in any way suffer persecution for being loyal to the faith. We also ask her help for the special family intentions so close to our heart, since Our Mother in heaven has always excelled in generosity by granting us the graces we need. May we never forget that the Blessed Virgin’s presence in the Church is always ‘a motherly presence’. She tends to make the way easier; preventing our straying from the right path in great and small matters alike as our myopia often inclines us to do. Where would we be without her motherly vigilance? Our Lady is always vigilant where her children are concerned. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:159 ‘The Truth shall make you free.’ “I am the light of the world.” (Jn 8:12) Jesus had just said this when the Pharisees interrupted, saying, “You are your own witness. Such testimony is worthless.” (Jn 8:13) Jesus replied: “Although I bear witness to myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going. ... I am not alone: the Father who sent me is with me. In your law is written that the testimony of two men is valid.” (cf Jn 8:14-7) “They, therefore, asked him, ‘Where is your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘If you knew me, you would know my Father also’.” (cf Jn 8:19) Then turning to those who believed in him, “he said, ‘You will be my true disciples if you keep my word. Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.’” (cf Jn 8:31-2) The Pharisees cried, “How can you say, ‘You will be free?’ We are the descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone”. Jesus countered, “truly, I tell you, whoever commits sin is a slave to sin” (cf Jn 8:33-4). These frequent and irrelevant interruptions prove the Pharisees felt that Jesus was infinitely superior in knowledge, holiness and authority. Their pride hurt, envy and spirit of contradiction ensued. Do we show this spirit? Jesus told them, “If you were Abraham’s children, do his works. But now you seek to kill me, because I am the one who tells you the truth.” (cf Jn 8:39-40) “The father you spring from is the devil whose will you do. ... Since the day of his first lie, he didn’t uphold the truth, for in him, there is no truth. I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Who among you convicts me of sin? He who is of God hears the words of God.” (cf Jn 8:44-7) “The Jews retorted, ‘We are right in saying you are a Samaritan and is possessed by a devil’. Jesus answered, ‘I am not possessed, but I honor my Father. Truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.’ The Jews said, ‘Now we know you are possessed. Abraham died, the prophets, too; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word, will never see death. Who do you claim to be?’” (cf Jn 8:48-52) Jesus replied by declaring he is God’s Eternal Son. “‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me. Abraham, your father, looked forward to the day when I would come; and he rejoiced when he saw it.’ The Jews then told him, ‘You are not fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?’ Jesus said, ‘I truly I say, before Abraham was, I am’.” (cf Jn 8:54-8) The Jews understood our Lord proclaimed himself to be, what in fact he is, God’s equal. They regarded him as a sacrilegious blasphemer and took up stones to cast at him; but Jesus hid himself, and left. To understand this spirit of contradiction, the child of pride, let us see where it led even the masters of science and law in Israel. To spiritual blindness, obstinacy, and final impenitence for they neither saw nor wished to see in Jesus the evident signs as the Messiah. As Jesus told them, ‘You shall die in your sin’. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp602-4 • Our Lady of “Roquemadour”, or Rock of Amateur in the diocese of Cahors, in Quercy. This place of pilgrimage is so named because St Amateur, vulgarly called St Amant, lived for some time upon this rock, which began to be famous about the year 1140. — Hugo Farcitus, de Miracul. B. Virg. Rupiramat. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • “Notre Dame de Roc-Amadour”. Cahors, Quercy, France. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of “Roc-Amadour” (diocese of Cahors: Quercy, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Mercy. (http://mariedenazareth.com) • Our Lady of Mercy / Ransom) / “Nuestra Señora de Merced”. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of Mercy / Ransom. Barcelona 1218. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Ransom, Spain (1218). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html) • The Order of Our Lady of Ransom (the Mercedarians) was founded in Spain in 1218 by St Peter Nolasco. Created to redeem slaves and other captives, the Order was originally a Military Order containing men who were both Knights and Monks. It also included non-knightly ordinary clerics. St Peter Nolasco had fought on the side of Simon de Montfort, the great English baron who fought for the liberty of people of all classes, against some of the worst Plantagenet Kings of England and France. In the Order, which was approved by Pope Honorius III, Nolasco was given the rank of Commander-General. The groups eventually split due to internal dissensions, with the largest body of knights joining the military Order of Montesa in 1317. Several members sailed with Christopher Columbus and the Order played a very active role in the evangelization of the New World. Monks and Nuns of the Order remain active in Europe and the Americas today. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of Walsingham. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)

23 September 2012 St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Southern Italy Of feeble health but strong will, he was ordained Capuchin priest in 1910. On 20 September 1918, the five wounds of our Lord’s Passion appeared on his body, to be the first stigmatized priest. Canonized by Pope John Paul II on 16 June 2002. (“Padre Pio Information Centre”, Kent CT5 2DF) “I Am the Light of the World.” (Jn 8:12) Our Lord began with these words his third sermon in the temple. To understand what the world owes to the Divine Light in the person of Jesus Christ, we must consider the state of society before the Incarnation. The most senseless idolatry was substituted for the worship of the only true God. Divine honors were given to gods of wood and stone. Human sacrifices were offered with the most dreadful cruelty. More than half the world were reduced to a state of slavery, and treated like brute beasts. Children were abandoned. The worst vices were raised to the rank of virtues. To whom do we owe our deliverance from all errors and abominations of Paganism? To Jesus Christ, and to the light of the true faith which, through his Apostles, he spread all over the world. It is to him alone that we owe all the good we enjoy, both natural and supernatural. He enlightens every man that does not wilfully close his eyes. He has taught us the nobleness of our origin, the grandeur of our destiny, the duties we owe to God, to our neighbors, and ourselves. Duties which if faithfully fulfilled, would undoubtedly make the human race happy, both in this world and the next. What gratitude, then, do we not owe our Lord? “He who follows me walks not in darkness ...” (Jn 8:12) not in the paths of vice and error; but in the daylight of truth and virtue. Pagan savages brought to Christ, and learned and lived the doctrines of his Gospel, became models of virtue, gentleness and heroism. On the contrary, whoever abandons these doctrines relapses into barbarism. Altering it by heresy, they fall into a chaos of doubt and human opinions. If separated by schism, they become victims of worldly power. How consoling for us whom the Lord ‘has called out of darkness’, in the persons of our ancestors, ‘into his marvellous light’ to meditate on these great truths. For us who, born of Catholic parents, have been taught from our childhood the knowledge and love of God! Let us take care to live worthy of this great favor. “... shall have the light of life” (Jn 8:12) ie, spiritual life which leads to the Beatific Vision. He who lives habitually in a state of grace, exempt from mortal sin, is in the first grade of spiritual life. He who lives exempt from deliberate venial sin, is in the second. He who, entirely detached from the world, aims habitually at the perfect imitation of Christ, is in the third. We admire those who reach this third degree. They have in this life great spiritual illumination, the source of unspeakable sweetness; and in the next, a greater share in the joys of eternal life, the Beatific Vision. Jesus calls us to this third degree and gives us the means to reach it. Let us use them with humility, confidence, and perseverance. Success is assured. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp600-602 To Men of Culture Through your scientific, philosophic, literary, and historical professional capacities, you can offer a service of authentic intellectual charity to your colleagues, to students, to society and all its institutions. You can also offer a service to the Church, as a cultural contribution, for catechesis, for evangelization, for human advancement. You are not only intellectuals who reflect, evaluate and contemplate truth, closed in an individualistic ivory tower. Do not let it be that only isolated voices launch messages to consciences and to the world. You, too are involved in a prophetical task of forming sensitive consciences capable of saying “No” to death, to hatred, to violence, to terror, to error, to evil, to degradation; but saying “Yes” to the good, to the beautiful, to truth, to justice, to responsibility, to life, to peace, to Love. You, too, must take on your responsibility, consciously. Your contribution in this field is conspicuous. The young who have an educational contact with you, politicians who turn an ear to what you say, technicians who cannot do without you -- let all these be aided by you to enter sagely and rationally into a vision of life and human society which promotes the common good of all mankind. Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, pp334-5 Professional prestige From what lamp can the light of Christ shine forth into our midst? Our top quality work and professional prestige. Can a Catholic businessman talk about high ideals with his employees if he ignores the Church’s social doctrine? A student who doesn’t study can’t share human and supernatural virtues to his friends. To have professional prestige, we should master our occupation, craft or profession. We must dedicate the necessary time for learning, practice or study; by setting goals in order to perform better each day, even after completing our formal course of study or training. A logical consequence of this commitment is respect by colleagues as a good worker or good student. This kind of reputation is indispensable for whoever wants to carry out a serious apostolate in the middle of the world. (cf Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 36) Almost without realizing it we will show how the doctrine of Christ can become a reality in ordinary life. Love for the Blessed Virgin will inspire us to imitate her in faithfully fulfilling our ordinary duties. She will move us to reject sin, even venial sin; and encourage us against our defects. Contemplating Mary’s docility to the Holy Spirit will inspire us to do God’s will whatever the cost. This kind of love will overcome our weakness and temptations to pride and sensuality. Our Lady, ‘Spes nostra’, our hope, will lift us up with hope whenever we experience our weaknesses! Ref: Cf F Fernandez, In Conversation with God, 5:71-3; 206-7 • Our Lady of Valvenere, in Spain. This image was found in an oak, on the very spot where is now seen the magnificent church which Alphonsus IV, King of Castile, rebuilt. — Antonius Yepez, Chronicle. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Valvenere, Spain. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)

22 September 2012 ‘He who is without sin, ... cast the first stone ...’ “Jesus appeared again in the temple. All the people came to him; he sat down and began to teach them. The Scribes and Pharisees brought a woman. ... They said to Jesus, ‘Master, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses orders that such women be stoned to death; but what do you say?’” (Jn 8:2-5) They asked, pretending to respect his decision. By inviting Jesus to pass sentence, these hypocrites acted to pay him great honor; but in reality only wished to trap him and be accused of something. Their cunning placed Jesus in a dilemma. If he refused to judge, he would seem to deny his title as the ‘Sent of God’, the ‘Master in Israel’. If he did, and forgave her, he would be denounced as violator of the law. If he condemned her, he would be charged with cruelty and self-contradiction because he had said, that he came to save, not to destroy. Jesus foiled the cunning of his enemies and turned it to their own confusion. Jesus who knew the intense malice of the woman’s accusers, said nothing; but “bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they persisted in asking him he stood up and said to them, ‘Let the man among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her’. He bent down again, writing on the ground.” (Jn 8:6-8) Some say that he wrote the secret sins of the accusers who “left one by one, the eldest first” (cf Jn 8:8-9). Jesus alone remained, the woman standing before him. Let us always remember, ‘He who is without sin’ ... without defect, prejudice or selfishness. We shall be what humility and true charity require of us, ‘severe upon ourselves, indulgent to others’. All her accusers gone and left alone with Jesus, he said, “‘where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She replied, ‘No one, Sir’. Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.’” (cf Jn 8:10-11) Doubly saved: body and soul together! Indeed a blessed moment to her! What reverence, what gratitude, what love must her heart have felt for her Saviour! Let us think of all this same Saviour has done for us; rescuing us from many dangers. How many sins has he forgiven? We, too will glow with love and gratitude. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp597-9 Impurity and Purity “Our body was consecrated by contact with the waters of Baptism, with sacred chrism, and with the immaculate Body of Jesus Christ. Through impurity we make it a body of sin. “Many times souls do not want the sin in itself, but in the meantime they give in to sentimentality, to dangerous affections, etc. If one wills the cause, it must be said he wills the effect. We cannot play with God! “Certain types of reading matter are not in any way suitable. Imagination is very dangerous. Once aroused, it goes where it will and where one would not believe it could go. And thus, a person ends by being a danger, a temptation to himself and to others. “Modesty is to be practiced with one’s self and when alone. “Besides vigilance and reserve, purity is protected with prayer. Let us receive the Sacrament well, especially holy Communion. Let confessions be brief and made with deep sorrow. They who confess well generally feel the effects all week long. And when Christ comes to us in Holy Communion, he unites our members to his: purifies us, lifts us up, sanctifies us.” Ref: Rev James Alberione, SSP, STD, “Christ, Model and Reward”, pp66-7, 70-72. In “The Vatican II Weekday Missal”, pp1075-6 Purity in everyday life ‘Purity’ has come to mean the same thing as ‘chastity’, although in itself, means much more. (cf John Paul II, “General Audience”, 10 December 1980) This Christian purity, chastity, has always been one of the Church’s glories and among the dearest signs of her holiness. The purity of soul Our Lord asks of us is not being simply a matter of appearances. This interior cleanness (essential to all love) is the consequence of a life-long, cheerful and continuing struggle. The soul needs the help of a daily examination of conscience; and a great love for frequent and worthy reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Interior purity brings a strengthening and growth of love, along with our elevation to the dignity to which we have been called. Man’s ever greater awareness of this dignity (cf Second Vatican Council, “Dignitatis humanae”, 1) contrasts with the great frequency he seems often prone to abandon it. Let us love the Sacrament of Penance, wherein our heart is purified ever more and more. Whenever the going gets hard, we can count on our Mother the Virgin Mary, who was full of grace from the first moment of her conception, to teach us how to be strong and keep our heart clean, full of love for her Son. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:508, 510, 512 Almsgiving: A Sign of Justice The call to penance, to conversion, means a call to inward openness to others. Nothing can replace this call, in the history of the Church and in the history of man. This call has infinite destinations. It is addressed to everyone and to each one, for reasons concerning each one. Each should therefore look at himself under the twofold aspects of the destination of the call. Christ requires an opening toward others from me. Toward what other? Toward the one who is by me, at this moment! This call of Christ’s cannot be “put off” till an indefinite future when the “right” beggar will appear and put out his hand. I ought to be open to every person, ready to “lend myself”. To lend myself with what? It is well known that we can sometimes “make a gift” to another with a single word; but with a single word we can also strike him painfully, harm him, wound him. We can even “kill” him morally. I must not be closed and ungrateful; I must not isolate myself. Accepting Christ’s call to open to others demands, as we see, ‘reworking of the whole style of our daily lives’. Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, pp150-51 • The giving of the name of “Mary” to Our Lady, by St Anne, her mother. — Petrus a Castro, Hist Virg. c. 2. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • The Giving of the Name of “Mary” to Our Lady by St. Ann, Her mother. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html) • An angel tells St Anne to name her daughter ‘Mary’. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady received the name ‘Mary’ by St. Ann through an angel. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Peñafrancia Naga, Camarines Sur PHL. Moveable feast -- Third Saturday [22 Sept 2012] in September. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)

21 September 2012 St Matthew Also called Levi, a publican (tax collector for the Romans). The Jews hated his profession. Nevertheless, our Lord called him from his booth at work. His vocation reminds us that sanctity is not reserved for privileged persons. All states in life, all professions, all noble tasks may be sanctified, as the Church teaches. Tradition unanimously acknowledges him as author of the First Gospel, written in Aramaic, the language our Lord spoke; and translated into Greek afterwards. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1647) St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist The sacred liturgy has presented for our meditation on this day the figure of this “sage scribe” who was so marvellously able to live and teach the Lord’s words. Drawn by the Master’s call to follow him, Matthew immediately “got up and followed him” (Mt 9:9). From then on there was a radical alteration of his life, of his way of thinking and working. He made himself a disciple of Jesus and announced that Gospel which he had written, in which the Christian is presented above all as a ‘follower’ of Christ, one conscious of the duties coming to him from his acceptance of the Gospel. And he performs them with courage, even to heroism, because following after Jesus prevails over every other duty. You will recall Jesus’ words: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father ...” (Mt 7:21) At this moment of taking on spiritual and social commitments, may the Lord help us to put the teachings of the Gospel into practice and courageously give testimony of our faith in the midst of the contemporary society to which we belong, through the intercession of his Mother and of St Matthew, who consecrated the whole of his life to the cause of the Christian faith. Ref: Cf Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II, pp333-4 Jesus preaches again in the Temple Jesus appeared a second time in the temple on the last and most solemn day of the feast. The Jews had by then drank of the fountain of Siloe, and sprinkled the altar with its water to obtain a fruitful harvest. Jesus availed of this practice and began to teach the people by an allusion to the ceremony of the day: “Jesus stood and cried, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me; and let him who believes in me drink’ ...” (Jn 7:37-8) That is to say, ‘If anyone thirsts for truth and holiness, which give supernatural life and vigor to the soul, let him come to me’. Let him believe and hope in me, the Source of life; and he will be satisfied. “... the water I will give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (Jn 4:14) The chief priests and leaders had posted a band of men in the temple to arrest Jesus should he preach again. But the words of Jesus so impressed them that “no one laid hands on him. The officers, therefore, went back to the chief priests who asked them, ‘Why did you not bring him?’ The officers replied, ‘No one ever spoke like this man’.” (Jn 7:44-6) Jesus knew men were waiting to seize and throw him into prison. However, obeying the call of love and duty, he still entered the temple. But ‘... no man laid hands on him because his hour has not yet come’: the day when he ‘wished’ to be sacrificed by his enemies. We learn here that evil will never prevail against us except ‘at the time’ and ‘in the way’ God permits. Still, we must be prudent and observe wise precautions. Jesus did not go to Jerusalem until the third day of the feast and did not show himself publicly except in the temple. The chief priests and Scribes, vexed at their failure, met in the evening to plan the arrest of Jesus. One, however, Nicodemus, the same who came to Jesus by night, said, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him and knowing the facts?” (Jn 7:51) To this appeal to the first principles of justice, the reply was, “Are you a Galilean? Look it up and see for yourself that no prophet is to come from Galilee. And they all went home.” (Jn 7:52-3) We are indignant with these men blinded by their passions; but do we not follow their example when we suspect or condemn others without knowing or inquiring into the motives of their conduct? Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp595-7 The Church Appeals to the Divine Mercy The Church proclaims the truth of God’s mercy, revealed in Christ crucified and risen again, and professes it in various ways. At no moment, and in no historical period, especially in an age so critical as ours, can the Church forget ‘prayer’. It is a cry to the mercy of God in the face of the manifold forms of evil which weigh upon mankind, and threaten it. Let us raise our supplications; be guided by the faith, the hope, the charity, which Christ has engrafted in our hearts. This attitude is at the same time love for God. Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, 1984, p329 Mary, Mother of penitent sinners A certain sinner once said to Mary, ‘Show thyself a Mother’; but she replied, ‘Show thyself a son’. Another invoked the divine Mother, as the Mother of mercy. She answered: ‘You sinners when you want my help call me Mother of mercy, and at the same time do not cease by your sins to make me a Mother of sorrows and anguish.’ God curses those who by their wicked life, and still more by their obstinacy in sin, afflict this tender Mother. For if a sinner, though he may not as yet have given up his sin, endeavors to do so, and for this purpose seeks the help of Mary, this good Mother will not fail to assist him, and make him recover the grace of God. And this is precisely what St Bridget heard one day from the lips of Jesus Christ, Who, speaking to His Mother, said, “Thou assistest him who endeavors to return to God, and thy consolations are never wanting to any one.” (Revelations 1. 4, c. 19) Ref: St Alphonsus Liguori, “The Blessed Virgin Mary”, 1982, pp41-2 • Our Lady of Pucha, in the kingdom of Valencia. This image was found in the year 1223, by means of seven stars which were seen shining on this spot, which made people dig into the earth where they found an image of the Blessed Virgin. — Bernard Gomes, Historia Hispan., lib. x. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Pucha, Valencia (1223). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Pucha. Valencia, Spain. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of Pucha (Valencia). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)

20 September 2012 Ss Andrew Kim Taegon (priest), Paul Chong Hasang and companions, martyrs The Christian faith was introduced in Korea during the 17th century through the zeal of a group of laypersons. From the very beginning these Christians suffered under terrible persecutions that, over the course of the 19th century, gave the Church many martyrs. Outstanding among these were the first Korean priest, Andrew Kim, and the lay apostle, Paul Chong. Among the Korean martyrs who struggled valiantly for Christ were bishops and priests, but majority were laity: men and women, married and single, young and old. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1646) Diverse opinions about Jesus in Jerusalem Jesus so arranged his journey that he arrived at Jerusalem on the evening of the third day of the Feast of Tabernacles. He entered with his apostles unobserved, and did not go to the temple until the next day, the sabbath. He thus frustrated the plot against his life. Still, everyone had been talking of him especially since the miraculous cure of the ten lepers. “The Jews asked, ‘Where is he?’ There was a lot of talk among the people. Some say, ‘He is a good man’; but others replied, ‘No, he deceives the people’.” (Jn 7:11-3) It is not surprising that people should think very differently about Jesus. It always was, and always will be, the case with public benefactors. Some praise their zeal. Others, even well-meaning people, attribute bad motives to it. Thus, if people form diverse opinions of our fitness for an office we should not be surprised. If we are humble, we will wonder instead why anyone must have a good opinion of us. So, let us not be offended or discouraged by criticisms against us or our conduct. We should strive to profit by them. The day after his arrival, “Jesus went up to the temple and taught. The Jews marvelled, saying, ‘How did this man get such knowledge having never been taught?’ Jesus answered, ‘My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. He who speaks of himself seeks his own glory; but he who wants to give glory to him who sent him is true; there is no reason to doubt him.’” (Jn 7:14-8) The doctrine we share is Christ’s who sends us, not our own. We must be most careful not to alter it by want of preparation, inaccuracy or human respect. Do we seek our own glory either against ‘justice’ or the ‘truth’? The doctors and leaders of the nation, afraid of being ignored, had long tried to degrade Jesus in the eyes of the people; and even to cause a riot in which they might get him killed without suspecting a murder. The people knew nothing of their intrigues, but Jesus did, and charged them openly: “Why do you want to kill me?” Pretending to be indignant they replied, “You have a devil. Who would want to kill you?” (Jn 7:20) To this day, pride and wickedness conspire to arouse the people by lies against Christ, his Church, his Vicar, his priests. This should not surprise us. We must instead follow our Lord’s example. His only answer to insult and calumny was a greater enthusiasm to instruct and save the people. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp593-5 Working in the vineyard of the Lord The outstanding problem facing the world is that very few people really know Christ on a personal basis. Many live and die ignorant of the truth that Christ has brought salvation to the world. Many will or will not find Christ because of our example. How can we remain indifferent when so many people do not know the Lord? “Each one should examine themselves to see how energetically they are working in the vineyard of the divine Sower. Perhaps we have not dedicated everything we have to the service of the Lord. The people who really work for him are those who are anxious to win souls and bring others to the vineyard.” (St Gregory the Great, “Homilies on the Gospels”, 19, 2) Everyone is welcome in the Lord’s vineyard: young and old, rich and poor, men and women, in their prime or sunset years, with time or none to spare. “... children, too have an apostolate of their own. In their own measure they are true living witnesses of Christ among their companions.” (Second Vatican Council, “Apostolicam actuositatem”, 12) The Lord is not interested in excuses which show a lack of faith. We must reject pessimism and sadness whenever we are disappointed in the apostolate. “Take courage! Keep going against the tide, protected by Mary’s Immaculate and Motherly Heart: you are my refuge and my strength. Be calm ... God has very few friends on earth. Don’t shy away from the burden of the days, even though at times we find them very long.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Way of the Cross”, 13th Station, 3) Ref: Cf F Fernandez, In Conversation with God, 5:53-6 A continuing sign of contradiction In a Lenten retreat which Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, the future Pope John Paul II, gave in 1976 to Pope Paul VI and members of the Vatican Curia, he reflected on Simeon’s prophecy, on Christ being a ‘sign of contradiction’. Nearly two-thousand years have passed, he said, but the words then spoken have remained valid and relevant. In the face of terrible experiences the human family has undergone and is still undergoing, Jesus Christ is once again revealing himself to men as the light of the world and at the same time that sign which, more than ever, men are resolved to oppose. He pointed out some forms of opposition to Christ, his gospel and his Church in the modern world; to what could be called “indirect contradiction” of Christ. Then he said: “The great poverty of many peoples, first and foremost the poverty of the peoples of the Third World, hunger, economic exploitation, colonialism (which is not confined to the Third World) are all a form of opposition to Christ on the part of the powerful, irrespective of political regimes and cultural traditions.” The contemporary plotters against religion have come up with a new strategy, widely different from that employed during those heroic times, now evoked by ruins of circuses and by the sites of the ancient catacombs. The enemies of religion have not learned the lessons taught by early Christianity. Ref: Cf Fr M Guzman, “Encounters with Christ”, 1990, pp8-11 • Our Lady of the Silver Foot, at Toul, in Lorraine, where an image is seen, which according to an ancient tradition, informed a woman in the year 1284, of an act of treachery which was being planned against the city; and as a sign of it, the image put out its foot, which was found changed into silver. — Triple Couronne. n. 57. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of the Silver Foot, at Toul in Lorraine, France (1284). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of the Silver Foot. (France, 1284). (http://mariedenazareth.com) • Our Lady of Consolation, Malta. [See June 20.] Moveable feast -- 3rd Thursday [20 Sept 2012] of September. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

19 September 2012 Our Lady of La Salette On this day in 1846, Our Blessed Mother appeared to two children, Melanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud at La Salette in the French Alps. Mary spoke to them about many things that upset her Son. La Salette was approved by the Church in 1851. Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854. (Ted and Maureen Flynn, “The Thunder of Justice”, 1993, p7) Basically, the message was a plea for humility, prayer and penance, and a warning that a terrible punishment would be levied if people did not repent. (“Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”, 1991, p571) ‘Notre Dame de La Salette’. France. 1846. Apparition. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) The Warning of La Salette “The priests, ministers of my Son, by their wicked lives, irreverence and impiety in the celebration of the holy mysteries, their love of money, honors and pleasures, have become cesspools of impurity. ... “Woe to the priests and to those dedicated to God who by their unfaithfulness and their wicked lives are crucifying my Son again! The sins of those dedicated to God cry out towards heaven and call for vengeance, and now vengeance is at their door, for there is no one left to beg mercy and forgiveness for the people. “... there is no one left worthy of offering a stainless sacrifice to the Eternal God for the sake of the world.” Ref: Cf Ted and Maureen Flynn, “The Thunder of Justice”, 1993, p112 The Program of Conversion Prayer is always the prime and fundamental condition for approaching God. We must pray, we must try to pray more, to find the time and place for praying. It is chiefly prayer which gets us away from indifference and makes us sensitive to the things of God and the soul. Prayer also educates our consciences. The Church ever reminds us of the indispensable necessity of sacramental confession, so we may all live Christ’s resurrection in the liturgy and in our own souls. ‘Almsgiving and fasting’ are closely linked as means of conversion and Christian penance. ‘Fasting’ means some mastery over ourselves; being demanding toward ourselves, being ready to give up something -- food and various pleasures. In its broadest and most essential meaning, ‘almsgiving’ is readiness to share joys and sorrows with others, to give to one’s neighbor, to the needy in particular; to divide not only material goods with others, but also the gifts of the spirit. Therefore, turning to God through prayer goes along with turning to mankind. Through fuller solidarity with mankind, with the suffering and especially with the needy, we unite with Christ, suffering and crucified. Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p144-5 On Confession The Church Fathers tell us that leprosy is a representation of sin which deforms the soul in the eyes of God. Our Lord’s order for the lepers to show themselves to the priests, makes it clear that we must go also to the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. What are the great blessings in this Sacrament? What must we do to approach it worthily? First of all, ‘preparation’. It should be serious and careful, but not scrupulous. To some pious people confession is torture. They needlessly weary themselves in examining their conscience and act of contrition. They are never satisfied in either one. This is a defect. There is another fault which we must guard against. That is, treating confession as a matter of routine. Thinking that since everything is included in the ordinary formula of accusation, an examination of conscience is needless. So, too, regarding the act of contrition. They forget to ask God for grace to do it well. To prepare properly, it would be good to -- 1) Set a particular day and hour for confession, and keep to it, otherwise a temptation to defer it can arise. 2) Hear Mass on the day with the intention to obtain the grace of perfect contrition. Renew this at the Consecration. A short preparation before entering the confessional suffices. Self-accusation must be humble, sincere, entire. Sincerity could be difficult if we cannot choose the priest. The thought that no sin, no matter how grave, could surprise a confessor, will help us overcome false shame, the cause of so many sacrileges. The object of frequent confession is perfection. Thus, it is far better to confine the personal accusation to certain principal faults rather than mention an infinity of defects for which true contrition is hard. Otherwise our confessions will be vague and unprofitable. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp590-93 The dominant defect God gave St John a profound grasp of what charity means both in his writings and his personal life. The Lord chose him to care for Our Lady! Inspired by the Holy Spirit, John wrote these words of great wisdom -- “The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: He who does not do what is right is not from God; so, too, he who does not love his brother.” (1 Jn 3:10) Our faults and failures must not discourage us. The Lord, knowing us very well, relies on time and grace plus our desires to improve. Many spiritual writers claim that progress in a life of piety depends greatly on recognizing and understanding our ‘dominant defect’. That which influences most our behaviour and thinking. (cf R Garrigou-Lagrange, “The Three Ages of Interior Life”, I) It usually is evident in what we do, what we want, what we think: it can be vanity, laziness, impatience, pessimism, a critical spirit. “If we think of the interior life as a little fortress, then the dominant defect is the weak point in the wall. The enemy of souls looks precisely for this area of vulnerability so he can enter the fortress with relative ease. As a result, we would do well to know this weakness.” (cf R Garrigou-Lagrange, op cit) Most temptations we experience will be related to this dominant defect. Let us ask God for his grace to overcome this fault. “Mary, Mother of Jesus, ‘sign of consolation and sure hope’ (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 68) is the guiding light that goes before the pilgrim People of God. She is our Mother. ... the way to reach the Lord. Mary will fill our lives with joy.” (J Urteaga, “The Defects of the Saints”, Madrid 1982) Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:132-3 • Our Lady of Healing, near Mount Leon, in Gascony. — Geoffrey, Histoire de la Vierge de Guerison. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Healing. Mt. Leon, Gascogny, France. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of “La Salette” (France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady of “La Salette”, France (1846). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)

18 September 2012 Healing of the ten lepers “As Jesus entered a village there were ten lepers who stood afar and called out, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’” (cf Lk 17:12-3) What is the character of this prayer? ‘Humble’ and ‘respectful’: conscious of their loathsome appearance, the lepers would not come near. ‘Confident’: they believed he could cure them where they stood, without any natural remedy. ‘Fervent’: their whole heart was in their cry for help. ‘Touching’: they appeal to their Saviour and Master. ‘Charitable’: they ask, not each for himself alone, but for one another, uniting their interests. Our prayers will always be heard if they possess these characteristics. Is it difficult to pray like this? Do we have less need to pray than these lepers? Has not the leprosy of sin made our soul more miserable, more hideous in God’s eyes? “Jesus said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests’.” (Lk 17:14) This command supposed that the leprosy would disappear before presenting themselves to the priests. They had no assurance it would be so. They might naturally have at least asked for some explanation; but did not. Their blind obedience was instantly rewarded “... as they went they were made clean” (Lk 17:15). Here is a striking proof of the merit of blind obedience. Blind, because it shuts our eyes to the status of our lawful superior: the reasons of his commands, the difficulties of executing them. We see God alone, in whose name he acts. How precious in the sight of God is this obedience, which the world calls folly! Precious, because in it we surrender to God our noblest faculties, the light of our understanding. God has always rewarded it magnificently; even by miracles as above. Do we always esteem, as we ought, ‘blind’ obedience? All ten lepers were cured but “one of them, as soon as he saw he was cleansed, went back, praising God in a loud voice. He fell on his face before Jesus’ feet and thanked him. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? Where are the other nine? Was there no one to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Get up and go your way; your faith has saved you’.” (cf Lk 17:14-9) We see here how Jesus regards ingratitude and thankfulness. We should make continual acts of thanksgiving to God. How often do we fail to do this? Some danger threatens us; we pray to be preserved from it. The threat passes, but we fail to give thanks for it. When we recover from a sickness, we thank God; but when he gives us a much greater favor: uninterrupted health, do we thank him then? Every day we say grace after meals; how often do we say it from the heart? Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp588-90 Charity sharpens our spiritual vision St Augustine states that mercy is “the showpiece of the soul” since it makes it appear good and beautiful (In “Catena Aurea”, VI, 48) and “covers a multitude of sins” (cf 1 Pet 4:8). “He who begins to suffer over the miseries of others begins to abandon sin.” (St Augustine, op cit) Also, by loving one’s neighbour we purify the sight of our eyes such that we are able to see God. (St Augustine, “Commentary on St John’s Gospel”, 17, 8) Our vision is sharpened to focus on divine goods. Egoism hardens the heart, while the exercise of charity enables us to rejoice in God. Hence, charity is a foretaste of eternal life. (cf 1 Jn 3:14) Eternal life may be understood as a continuous act of charity. (cf St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, I, q 114, a 4 ) The gift of himself is the best reward Our Lord could give us. We pray: “Bring it about that we might know how to discover you in all of our brothers and sisters, above all in those who are poor and suffering.” (“Liturgy of the Hours”, Morning Prayer) Beside those who suffer we find Mary, ‘Comforter of the afflicted’. She will make our heart sensitive to the needs of others. Then we will never ignore anyone suffering in body or soul. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:85-7 The call to perfection ‘Charity without measure’ Christian progress means growing in charity. To set a direction for Christian life, it is enough to grow in love. We must see now how far this growth in charity should go. Is there a certain degree of charity if once attained, would suffice for the majority of Christians? Would a higher degree be superfluous, reserved for a select privileged souls or for certain specific vocations? Is there a limit which need not be passed in this growth? In St Augustine’s words: “The measure of loving God is to love him without measure.” Since God is infinite goodness, infinitely worthy of being loved, we shall never love him to a sufficient degree. So we should never stop growing in charity, as if the point we had reached were enough. It should grow, without limit or measure: we should always want to love God more. This applies to everybody without exception, as God longs to give himself to all. All are called to perfect love. This is the goal at which all must aim, for an imperfect charity will never suffice. If anyone said ‘My charity is enough. I love God sufficiently and have no need to love him more. I do not need to attain a higher measure.’ He has left the paths of charity. ‘The great obstacle’ which turns Christians from sanctity is lukewarmness. God has such aversion to it: “Lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Apoc 3:16). Tepidity is discovering that one loves God sufficiently and there is no need to grow in love. The sinner who prays and calls on God’s mercy from the abyss of his wretchedness may be a soul more open to the fulness of God’s grace than the tepid soul who shuts his door to growth in love, and stays in mediocrity. This lukewarmness disfigures the face of Christianity when one looks at many Christians; and repels so many souls which hunger for God, but fail to find him in the lukewarm Christian they meet every day. Ref: Jean Daujat, “Faith Applied”, 1984, pp35-6, 41-2 • Our Lady of Smelcem, in Flanders. The chronicle relates that some shepherds observed that their sheep bent their knees before this image. This occasioned Baldwin, surnamed Fair Beard, to choose this place to build a church in thanksgiving for having been cured by our Saviour of a malady which he had had for seventeen years. — Triple Couronne, n. 63. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Smelcem, Flanders. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Smelcem. Belgium. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)

17 September 2012 A Samaritan village refuses to receive Jesus At one place on our Lord’s journey through Samaria the inhabitants refuse to receive him due to their ancient enmity against the Jews. “His disciples, James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them?’ He turned and scolded them; then proceeded to another village.” (cf Lk 9:54-6) Jesus warns against a spirit of bitterness or cruelty under the guise of zeal. We are all prone to do this; but we are mistaken if we think it can be pleasing to God. We deceive ourselves when we ask God to punish soonest the wicked or persecutors. Such is not the spirit of Jesus Christ, who came not to destroy, but to save; who bids us to pray for our persecutors; who Himself prayed for them on the cross; “deals patiently, not willing that any should perish, but that all should return to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9-10). When our Lord was repulsed from the city whose hospitality He had deigned to ask, He made no complaint, but ‘went into another town’. O Jesus, take possession of my heart and dwell therein. Make it all your very own. May that blessed promise be fulfilled in me -- ‘If any one love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him.’ Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp586-8 The Cross, a Living Call to Conversion The Church, desirous to enliven herself with particular commitment to the mission of her Lord and Master in all its salvific value, listens to Christ’s words with greatest attention. He unchangingly announces the Kingdom of God, independently of the mutations of temporal events in human life. His last word is ‘the cross on Mt Calvary’, the sacrifice of love to reconcile man with God. We must all look at the Cross with special attention in order to comprehend its eloquence anew. We must not see it only as a memorial of events which occurred two-thousand years ago. We must grasp the teaching of the Cross as it speaks to man of today: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb 13:8) In the Cross of Jesus Christ a living call to ‘metanoia’, to conversion, is expressed: “Reform your lives and believe in the Gospel.” (Mk 1:15) We have to accept this call as being addressed to each and all of us in a particular manner. Christ himself indicates the rich program of conversion to us in the gospel. Christ -- and the Church, after him -- also offers us the means for such conversion. It is a question of ‘prayer’, above all, then of ‘almsgiving’, then of ‘fasting’. We must accept these means and bring them into our lives in proportion with the needs and possibilities of a Christian of our time. Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, pp143-4 A continuous prayer to the Mother of Heaven “Raised to the glory of Heaven, she cares for the pilgrim Church with a mother’s love, following its progress homeward until the day of the Lord dawns in splendour.” (“Roman Missal”, Preface, Mass for Mary, Mother of the Church) In the “Hail, Mary”, we ask for her help: “... now and at the hour of our death. ...” This ‘now’ is repeated throughout the world for the “grace of the present moment.” (cf R Garrigou-Lagrange, “The Three Ages of the Interior Life”, I, 6) This is a most personal grace which varies according to each person and every situation. We may occasionally be distracted from our prayers, but Our Lady never loses her attention. She knows our every need. She prays for us and wins for us what we should have. A continuous prayer rises to her: “Pray for us sinners, now ...” “Mary is always the road that leads to Christ. Each encounter with Mary, therefore, turns out to be an encounter with Christ himself: through her, with her and in her. For what other purpose could we have in mind by going to her than to find her Son and our Saviour? He is there in her arms.” (Paul VI, Encyclical, “Mense Maio”, 29 April 1965) We have endless reasons for going to Mary because she always hears our prayers. “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.” (St Bernard, “The Memorare Prayer”. In “Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia”, 1991, pp636-7) The Rosary is Our Lady’s favorite prayer. (cf Paul VI, Encyclical, “Mense Maio”, 29 April 1965) We should pray it with renewed devotion. Let us really be ambitious in our petitions, because Our Blessed Mother will be attentive to every single one of them. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:103-4 Work -- “Place on your desk, in your room, in your wallet, a picture of Our Lady, and look at it when you begin your work, while you are doing it, and when you finish it. She will obtain, I can assure you, the strength for you to turn your task into a loving dialogue with God.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 531) A rosary story During the first World War a French soldier was on patrol in the woods. Feeling safe, he laid aside his gun and rested. Unawares, he was seen by a German scout. He was an easy victim. As the trigger was about to be pulled the Frenchman drew out his beads and knelt down. On seeing the rosary, the German was moved to spare the Frenchman’s life. The incident touched the German so profoundly that it inspired him to dedicate the rest of his life as a Jesuit lay brother. Ref: Cf Fr Bruno Hagspiel, “1000 Stories” Vol 1, in Fr Bel R San Luis, SVD, “Word Alive”, “Manila Bulletin”, 7 October 1995 • Inauguration of the image of Our Lady of Puy, in Velay. King St Louis gave this image to the church of Puy in the year 1254 on his return from beyond the seas. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Placement of the image of Our Lady of “le Puy”. Velay, France. Donated by St Louis IX. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Enthronement of the image of Our Lady of le Puy, given by St. Louis IX. Velay, France. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of the Candles. 15th Century. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Candles (Canary Isles, 1400). (http://mariedenazareth.com) • Our Lady of Refuge (“The 2002 Catholic Directory of the Philippines”, p208)