Great Merit is Gained by offering Holy Mass
by VP
Posted on Sunday July 20, 2025 at 01:00AM in Books
Father Tyler Sparrow, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh NC.
"Bear in mind that Holy Mass is the True and Supreme Sacrifice of the Christian religion and that all those who would assist at it correctly should join in offering it to the most high God. The Mass to the Christian is not merely a form of prayer; it is an act of worship and a sacrifice; for all who hear Mass offer the Divine Oblation together with the priest.
First of all, there is the great High Priest, the Chief Sacrificer, Christ, who Himself offers every Mass that is said to His heavenly Father. Then there is the officiating priest, who immolates the Divine Victim. Thirdly, there are the Faithful, who, present at the Holy Sacrifice, have also the power of offering it - and in fact, sometimes do so with greater profit that the priest himself. Fourthly, there are those who either "pay for the Mass" (ie. give the priest a stipend for offering it), or provide something necessary for celebrating it, such as the chalice of the vestments. Lastly, those too must be included who, unable to assist in person, unite themselves in spirit to the priest and join with him in his sacrificial act while remaining in their own homes. They also, since they participate in a certain measure in offering the Holy Sacrifice, participate in its fruits and may, if they so will, assign to others the benefit of those fruits.
Ponder well these truths, for they contain valuable instruction and comfort."
Source: The Incredible Catholic Mass by Fr. Martin Von Cochem
St. Jerome Emiliani, CONFESSOR, A.D. 1537.
by VP
Posted on Sunday July 20, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"He was born of a noble family at Venice, and served in the army in very troublesome times. He commanded a castle, which was taken by the enemy, upon which he was cast into a dungeon, with fetters on his hands and feet. When destitute of all human help, he implored the protection of the Holy Mother of God, by whom he was miraculously delivered from prison, and conducted in safety beyond the reach of the enemy. Arriving at Tarviso, he hung up his chains before the altar of the Blessed Virgin, in grateful acknowledgment of the favour he had received.
Returning to Venice, he began more assiduously to cultivate piety, and particularly charity to the poor. But he had a particular compassion for poor children who were orphans, and wandered about the city without friends or home. These he received into a house which he hired at his own expense, and there maintained them and instructed them in Christian doctrine and piety. The saint was induced by St. Cajetan and Peter Carafa, afterwards Pope Paul IV., to reside in a hospital of incurables, where he continued to educate orphans, while he served the sick at the same time with unwearied charity.
He afterwards erected several institutions for orphans in various parts of Italy; and one also for female penitents. At length he settled at Somascha, on the frontiers of the Venetian territory, and there began the Congregation or Institute known by the name of Somascha, for the care of orphans, the favourite objects of his charity, and also for the education of youth in general, which was approved by St. Pius V., and received particular privileges from succeeding pontiffs.
He made a journey to Milan, and there and in other places he collected together a number of poor children, and provided for them by the assistance of certain
wealthy and noble persons. Returning to Somascha, he became all to all,
and refused no labour, which he considered likely to benefit his
neighbour. He helped the labourers in the harvest, and as he worked with them, he took opportunities of instructing them in the mysteries of faith, and exhorting them to religion and virtue. He was also very charitable and patient in dressing the sores of poor
suffering children and others, and was so successful in treating them,
that he was considered to be gifted with a miraculous power of curing diseases. Having found a cave in the mountain of Somascha, he often retired thither, and spent whole days in fasting, severe disciplines, and prayer. At length he caught a distemper while serving the sick, and died a death precious in the sight of God, on the 8th of February,
1537, being fifty-six years old. Many miracles had been wrought by him
before his death, and many happened after it, to attest the holiness of his life, and his glory after death." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
The Compassion of Christ
by VP
Posted on Sunday July 20, 2025 at 01:00AM in Sermons
Le retour de l'enfant prodigue, Jacques Tissot
"For some of them
came from afar off.”—MARK 8. 3.
1. What drew that crowd to follow our Lord ?
2. In our days, who are those that are from afar off? Those who know not Christ, and those who have fallen away.
3. The danger of wandering afar off.
4. May the compassion of Christ win us back and keep us near Him.
"We wonder, as we read this Gospel, how this multitude had been drawn to our Blessed Lord; how they stayed with Him for three days, and some of them had come from afar off. What a divine attraction it must have been that made these men forget their comfort, their hunger, their weariness, to press round our Blessed Saviour, and listen to the words that fell from His divine lips! As our Lord drew the crowds to Himself in life, so now He is constantly, by His grace, drawing the hearts of men to His service. And as then, so now, "some come from afar off "; and it is for these that He shows His tenderest compassion, lest they faint on the way to their home - the Kingdom of heaven. Without His help no one can win their way to that blessed home.
Then who are those, in these days of ours, who come from afar off? Those who have not the Faith. Those who have never heard of Him, or been taught the wonders of His mercy. Prayers of others attract them: good example attracts them. The fair fame of holy Church, with its unity, its progressiveness, with its crowds of faithful worshippers, attracts them. Each of us can help, each of us is bound to help, some soul to follow Christ.
Others, again, from afar off, are children of bad parents, who have not been taught the practice of their religion; who have had no good example at home shown them: the leakage of the Church, who are swept along in the torrent of godlessness, sinfulness, and riotousness of the wicked world.
Others, again, who have fallen away. Once they were innocent children of God, but neglect and carelessness crept in; they wearied of the restriction of a good life; and at last they left their Father's house, and they were seen no more at Mass or the Sacraments. Many, thank God, have not wandered thus far from God; but how few of us have not fallen away to some degree! How few of us can say that we are as good and earnest as once we were as good as we should be!
The danger of wandering far off, or a little way off, from keeping close to our Lord, and listening to Him, and obeying Him, is this. Whatever the distance may be, it is far enough, and too far, for us to find our way back of ourselves. Many think that they can return to the good life of their early days when they choose, and so put God off. But this is a sad mistake. They cannot of themselves, but only if God in His mercy draws them.
What gratitude should be ours to remember that Christ's mercy and compassion are always seeking to attract us. Patiently and in many most varied ways He is seeking us out and drawing us to Himself. But it is all His merciful doing, and not our own doing. You will say, The prodigal son found his way back to his father, so why cannot I when I make up my mind?
Yes, the prodigal, happily for himself, did return, and was lovingly received by his father. But what prompted him? What gave him the impulse and the resolution "to arise and go to his father"? What sustained him on the long, hungry journey, and enabled him to face the shame of it, to be "a hired. servant" as he expected, where once he was a son? It was the memory, the sweet memory, of his loving, patient father! The poor boy never dreamed that his father, with yearning eyes, was looking for him time after time; he never dreamed of such an affectionate welcome; he only expected to be fed, to be under a roof, to be safe.
When our Blessed Lord was describing that loving father He was portraying Himself. For how many souls from afar off is the Redeemer looking this day! For some He has been waiting for years. The danger is, the longer we are away, the greater chance of forgetting the memory of our Father, of forgetting the compassion of the Sacred Heart of our Lord. If we forget His mercy, where is the power that can draw us back? If we are only beginning to slip away from fervour, let us be afraid; and pray that a loving memory of that compassion may ever live in our hearts.
Realize that kindness of Christ, and we should trust in Him more and more. See what He did, as recorded in the Gospel. He worked a miracle for those who had come from afar off, lest they should faint on the way. They had followed and listened to Him, and in return, in compassion, He worked the miracle. And for us as well, if we only come humbly back, He works the miracle of miracles, and nourishes us with the Bread from heaven, lest we should faint on the journey through life. How sad when our Blessed Lord is thus longing for us, and is prepared to receive us and strengthen
us, that so many are kept back from entering again into His holy
service, from attendance at Mass, from frequenting Holy Communion, by
false shame and through human respect, for fear of what some carping neighbour may say! Oh, may the good God so strengthen us with the memory of His compassion, the confidence
in His mercy, that we may arise, determined never to be far from Him
again; but rather to cling to Him, cherishing His words, doing His holy
Will, faithful to the end!" Short Sermons on the Epistles & Gospels of the Sundays of the Year By Rev. Fr. Francis Paulinus Hickey OSB 1922 (6th Sunday after Pentecost)
Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest, Confessor, A.D. 1660
by VP
Posted on Saturday July 19, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
Let the charity and zeal of this holy man be considered; and what will the rich say for themselves, who can find little to spare for the relief of the poor? What will the lower rank say, whose solicitude for this world so takes up their heart and their time, that they cannot find leisure for their own salvation, and much less for the good of their neighbour? If they compare themselves with this saint, must not they either change their method, or despair? If they hope to be saints, they must walk in the way of the saints, and not be deceived with the example of a blind and wretched world." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
" Devotion and piety towards God and the Blessed Sacrament- Imitation of Jesus Christ.
When before the Holy Tabernacle, he always maintained himself on both knees, and in a posture so humble that he seemed, the more to testify his respect, to wish to abase himself to the center of the earth, and with such faith manifested in his countenance, one would say that he saw Jesus with his eyes; with such devotion, he would have inspired the most incredulous, with faith and the most insensible with piety; in such modesty and silence, that he had not a single glance for the greatest magnificence, nor a word for the most august personages.
There he loved to remain all the time that his duties left at his disposal, and there he forgot himself for hours together. There he went, like Moses of old, to consult the Divine oracle in all his difficulties." (...)
Profanations, committed by heretics, or by the military, grieved him mortally. Tears, extraordinary penances, fervent prayers, all were offered in reparation and atonement He went himself or sent some of his community in pilgrimage to the profaned churches; the priests said mass and the others received Holy Communion there in reparation. He made good the material loss caused by sacrilegious thefts of sacred vessels and ornaments; and by means of missions he repaired the injury done the honor of God and souls by impiety and heresy.
He said to them with regard to the celebration of Mass: "It is not enough to celebrate mass, we must, moreover, offer this sacrifice with the greatest possible devotion, according to the will of God Himself; conforming ourselves, with His grace, as much as we can, to Jesus offering Himself, when on earth, to His eternal Father. Let us use all endeavor, then, gentlemen, to offer our sacrifices to God in the same spirit, in which our Lord offered His, and as perfectly as our poor and miserable nature will permit.”
He prescribed the greatest
respect in the church and in the ceremonies. Precipitation,
genuflections half-made, the least negligences in the Divine service
were a torment to
his exalted idea of religion, and an alarm to his soul ever trembling
before the possibility of scandal. Hence, he took care to correct in
private, and, if necessary, in public, all the faults that he observed.
If one of his members passed before the altar, making a genuflection carelessly
and thoughtlessly, he immediately called him back, and showed him in
what manner and how far he should bend before God. On these occasions he
would say: "We should never conduct ourselves as mere puppets, which
are made to move quickly, and the salutations of which are without
reverence or soul." And, after his humble habit of accounting himself
responsible for all faults. he added: Who is guilty, my brethren! It is
this miserable person who is speaking to you, and who would cast himself
on his knees if he could. Excuse my infirmities." And in fact, it was a
cruel privation to him, and one that he attributed to his sins, when he
could no longer kneel, and he publicly asked pardon for it, and
besought them not to be scandalized.
Nevertheless," he added, "if I see the congregation relax I will force myself on my knees, cost what it will, and rise as best I may, with the aid of some of you, or in making use of my hands, so that I may thus give the example that I ought to give. For, the faults committed in a community are imputed to the superior, and the faults of the congregation in this point are always serious, as much because there is question of a duty of religion and of an exterior reverence that marks the interior respect we show God, as because, if we be the first to fail, those preparing for ordination, and the clergy who come here, will believe themselves under no obligation to do better; and those who will succeed us in the congregation and who will model themselves after us, will do still less, and thus everything will tend to decay; for if the original be defective what will the copies be? I beg you, then, gentlemen and my brothers, to pay great attention to this, and to comport yourselves in this action in such a manner that interior reverence may suggest and always accompany the exterior. God desires to be adored in spirit and in truth, and al' good Christians should do so in imitation of the Son of God, who, prostrate on the earth in the Garden of Olives, united to this devout posture a profound interior humility, out of respect for the Sovereign Majesty of His Father."
What he said of the genuflection he applied to all the ceremonies. They are, in truth, only the shadow, but the shadow of the greatest things, and this is the reason we should perform them with ll possible attention, in a religious silence, and with great modesty and gravity. How will these gentlemen who come here carry them out if we ourselves do not perform them well? The singing must be grave, without being hurried, the psalms recited with an air of devotion. Alas! if these ceremonies are not properly performed, how will we answer when God will demand an account." Virtues and Spiritual Doctrine of St. Vincent de Paul by Rev. Fr. Michel Ulysse Maynard
The Litany of St. Vincent de Paul
Lord,
have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy
Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of Christ, the Sovereign Priest, pray for us.
St. Vincent,
who, from your infancy, walked in the presence of God, pray for us.
St. Vincent, most benevolent to all, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, chaste and pure, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, watchful shepherd of the flocks entrusted to your
care, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, who so faithfully preached the gospel to the poor,
Pray for us.
St. Vincent, who brought your disciples to the practice of all
good works,
Pray for us.
St. Vincent, the glory of the priesthood,
Pray for us.
St. Vincent, humble amidst the honors of the world, Pray for us.
St.
Vincent, careful imitator of Jesus Christ,
Pray for us.
St. Vincent, alleviator of human misery, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, refuge and comforter of the afflicted, Pray for us.
St.
Vincent, feeder of the hungry,
Pray for us.
St. Vincent, friend of the sick, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, father of orphans, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, refuge of purity, and security of innocence, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, zealous seeker of wandering
souls, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, restorer of the beauty of ecclesiastical discipline,Pray for us.
St. Vincent, like an Angel at the altar, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, strong in holy obedience and faith, Pray for us.
St. Vincent, burning with zeal for the glory of God, Pray for us.
Lamb of
God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us O Lord.
Lamb of
God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of
God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
V. He made himself all to all.
B. Let us walk in his footsteps.
LET US PRAY.
JESUS, meek and humble of heart! since only hum dwelling of thy glory will be for ever shut against me, unless I become truly humble: grant me humility, which alone can merit thy grace, and secure me a place in the eternal kingdom. Pardon me, O my God! the manifold sins, which I have committed through pride; and grant me a contempt for myself, proportioned to the pride which has so far enslaved me, but which I now detest so sincerely. I beg this favor through the intercession of our holy Father St. Vincent, who was truly meek and humble. Amen. St. Vincent's Manual: Containing a Selection of Prayers and Devotional Exercises By Sisters of Charity
St. Camillus, CONFESSOR, A.D. 1614.
by VP
Posted on Friday July 18, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"When
with daybreak the moment came for his Mass, nothing could equal the joy
with which he hastened to the preparation for it. Then kneeling at the
foot of the altar, he made the daily intention for the Church and the
Sovereign Pontiff, always first in his solicitude; next, for his Order,
that God might be pleased to grant its increase, and the holiness of its
members; lastly for the sick, that it might be his happiness to help
and comfort countless souls and obtain strength and hope for the dying.
Angels surely gathered about that altar, for never was Mass celebrated
with greater fervor. Often tears streamed down his cheeks, as at the
precious moment he held in his hands his "Love," his Lord, and he would
whisper again, "What can I do for Thee?" Saint Camillus de Lellis the Hospital Saint by a Sister of Charity, p128
"THIS saint in his early years served in the Neapolitan army, and during that time, and for a short time after, was unhappily addicted to the vice of gaming. But the divine mercy at length opened his eyes. A moving exhortation made to him by the guardian of the Capuchins completed his conversion. He fell on his knees, and striking his breast, with many tears and groans deplored his past sinful life, and cried to heaven for mercy. This happened in the twenty-fifth year of his age; and from that time he never interrupted his penitential course.
Leaving his own country, St. Camillus went to Rome, and served the sick in the hospital of incurables for four years with great fervour. Grieving to see the sick so much neglected by hired servants, he founded a congregation of holy persons, who devoted themselves to serve the sick, out of a motive of fervent charity. They went every day to the great hospital of the Holy Ghost, where they served the sick with so much affection, piety, and diligence, that it was visible that they considered Christ himself in his sick or wounded members.
Previous to this, St. Camillus prepared himself by a course of studies to receive Holy Orders, with a view to render himself more useful in affording spiritual assistance to the sick. In 1558, he was invited to Naples, and there founded a new house of his congregation. He was himself afflicted with many infirmities, such as a sore in his leg for forty-six years, and other very painful maladies. But under all his sufferings, he would not allow any one to wait on him, but sent all his brethren to serve poor sick persons. When he was not able to stand, he would creep out of his bed, even in the night, and crawl by the sides of the beds, from one patient to another, to exhort them to acts of virtue, and see if they wanted any thing.
Almighty God favoured St. Camillus with the spirit of prophecy and the gift of miracles. After assisting at the fifth general chapter of his Order, he fell ill, and soon after, his life was despaired of by the physicians. He received the last sacraments with the most
tender devotion, made a moving exhortation to his religious, and having
foretold that he should die that evening, he expired on the 14th of July, 1614, at the age of sixty-five." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
In the Reign of Terror: Carmelites of Compiegne
by VP
Posted on Thursday July 17, 2025 at 01:00AM in Documents
Prayer for the Church and France
(From the writing of the Carmelites of Compiegne)
O most Holy God, through the intercession of the blessed Carmelites of Compiègne who offered themselves in sacrifice to console You for the ingratitude of men, deign to look with mercy on the evils which desolate the Church and France and spread upon your faithful your pardon and the divine Peace which your Son came to bring to the world.
O Blessed Trinity, come and transform the hearts of all the sons of the Church: that sinners may be converted, enlightened by Faith; that the just may become fervent, enlivened by Charity; and that faithful souls, strengthened by the example of your martyrs, may progress towards holiness.
O Almighty God, come and touch the hearts of the sons of France, to banish all pusillanimous fear and instill in them strength, confidence, and peace.
O Eternal God, may the blessed martyrs of Compiègne show us the path to Heaven, so that we may, following in their footsteps, live your infinite Love, until the eternal beatific vision. Amen.
In the Reign of Terror:
"On July 17, early in the morning, the Carmelites were summoned to appear before the revolutionary tribunal. The charges brought against them, clothed in sensational language, sound absurd enough, applied to these silent, retiring recluses. They were accused of "wishing to drown liberty in blood," of having worked to "enslave their country," etc.; but under these high-flown, pompous phrases, so dear to the revolutionists, it is easy to trace the real motive of the nuns' arrest and condemnation. Their real crime was the fidelity with which they clung to the religious practices that, in happier days, they had bound themselves to observe; another offence, no less grave, was that a picture of the Sacred Heart had been found in their lodgings.
Mother Teresa, as the responsible leader of the group, answered, as far as she was allowed, the charges brought against her Community. Among the crowd of people, who invariably assisted at the trials during these last days of the reign of Terror, were some few unknown friends and well-wishers, who gave Sister Mary of the Incarnation a faithful account of the proceedings. With great calmness and dignity the Prioress disclaimed the charge of having meddled in politics and, on being accused of having concealed firearms in her monastery, "Here," she said, producing a crucifix, “is the only weapon we ever possessed." With no less courage she assumed the entire responsibility of whatever offences might be brought forward against her sisters, and she endeavored, failing all else, to screen the outside Sisters who, as "paid servants," were obliged to obey orders. "If," she added, "it is a crime to have corresponded with our chaplain on purely spiritual matters, I alone am guilty and should alone be condemned."
This brave protest availed nothing; the sixteen Carmelites were condemned to death as "fanatics," which meant, explained the president, "that they were devoted to silly practices of religion."—" My dear mother," exclaimed one of the nuns, Annette Pelras, "do you hear, we die for our holy faith! What happiness it is to die for God!"
The execution was to take place that same day, and the Carmelites had only a few hours left to prepare for the end. They were, said Pierre Blot, "radiantly" happy when they returned to the prison; but they had eaten nothing since the previous day, and, with motherly foresight, the Prioress sold a cloak to procure money enough to give each one a cup of chocolate. Then, kneeling down, they began to recite the Office for the Dead.
The executions since the previous month of June were appointed to take place at the "Place de la nation," which is situated at the extremity of the city, towards Vincennes. As the carts in which the Carmelites were seated, with their hands tightly bound, jolted over the rough pavement, a strange, sweet sound of singing echoed through the air. The "Te Deum," the "Salve Regina" floated above the feverish crowd that followed the procession, and, for once, no coarse jest or brutal insult was hurled at the prisoners. These calm, happy women, with their sweet voices and smiling eyes, exercised a unique power of fascination over the frenzied multitude. On arriving at the "Place," the Carmelites knelt down and quietly renewed their baptismal vows and their religious promises, while the executioner and the guards looked on in silence. Then the Prioress took up her station at the foot of the guillotine; the novice Sister Constance was the first to ascend its bloody stairs; her clear, young voice chanted the "Laudate," in which her Sisters joined; then, as one after another they followed on her footsteps, the singing grew fainter, till at last the Prioress was alone! Her task was fulfilled; her daughters were safe. With an eager step, Blessed Teresa of St. Augustin followed them, and, the last of the devoted band, laid her head beneath the knife.
The sixteen Carmelites of Compiègne had, in the midst of their difficulties and trials, a supreme consolation: they lived, suffered and died together. Like the Sisters of Charity of Arras, their Community life remained unbroken, and to the end they could rest upon the example and guidance of their Prioress. Of this support and comfort, the thirty-two nuns who were executed at Orange were cruelly deprived. They were led to execution sometimes alone, sometimes in small groups of two, three or four, as best suited the caprice or convenience of their tyrants. COMTESSE DE COURSON." Messenger of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Volume 49 page 179, 1908
Saint Alexis of Rome, Confessor
by VP
Posted on Thursday July 17, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
IMITATION OF THE SAVIOUR.-Alexis, born at Rome, in 350, of a family bearing senatorial rank, quite as illustrious by its Christian virtues as for its nobility and opulence, chose as his portion that part of our Saviour's life in which He has found fewest imitators, namely, in His humiliation. Having been urged by his family to turn his thoughts to marriage, he profited by this to carry out his design, and fled to Edessa; where, during seventeen years, he remained unknown, seeking for humiliations and the contempt of men with as much eagerness as others exhibit in pursuit of fortune and honours. But at length, becoming admired for his sanctity, he once more fled; and, the course of events leading him back to Rome, he went to his own father's house to crave an asylum as the veriest beggar. He there ended his days, after having been for seventeen years made the object of scorn to the entire household. His family at length discovered who he was by means of a paper found upon him containing his name and the main events of his life. The pope, the emperor, and sovereign princes came to render homage to him who had so profoundly humbled himself amongst men.
MORAL REFLECTION.-"Every one that hath left house
or lands for my sake shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life
everlasting."-(Matt. xix. 27.) Pictorial Half Hour with the Saint by Abbe Lecanu
The Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel
by VP
Posted on Wednesday July 16, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"A FEAST in honour of our Blessed Lady is kept on this day, on which, as we are assured by several writers of the Carmelite Order, St. Simon Stock, general of the Carmelites, was admonished by the holy Mother of God in a vision, to establish the confraternity of the Scapular. This confraternity has been approved, and favoured with many privileges by many popes. The object of it is to unite the devout clients of the Blessed Virgin in certain regular exercises of religion and piety.
Learn from the Blessed Mother of God clothing her devout children with the humble scapular, a thorough contempt of the world. She proclaims to us: Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world. Love not its riches, its fine apparel, or other vanities; but having food, and wherewith to be clothed, learn to be content. For they that would become rich fall into temptation and the snares of the devil. Despise the honours of the world; and keep not a high and proud heart beneath an humble garment. Be not greedy of power and pre-eminence above others; but willingly sit down in the lowest place, by far the most secure. Equally dangerous, and to be shunned by every faithful follower of Jesus and Mary, are the pleasures of the world. You are called in this life to labour and penance. The time of rest and enjoyment will not fully arrive till you have passed through the gate of death. To live in pleasures and sensual enjoyments, is a life full of danger, and too often leads to eternal death; but by a life of mortification, you secure joy everlasting. This is that holy violence which carries away victoriously the kingdom of heaven. And be not disturbed or fearful about the judgments of the world. Men of the world fear where there is no fear: but for your part, fear only him who has power to cast into hell. Place yourself under the patronage of the holy Mother of God; she will protect you by her powerful intercession, and procure for you the true fear and love of God." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Prayer to the Holy Virgin of Mount Carmel:
O Most Blessed and Immaculate Virgin, ornament and splendor of Carmel,
thou who regardest with an eye of special kindness those who wear thy
blessed habit, look down also benignly upon me and cover me with the
mantle of thy special protection. Strengthen my weakness with thy power;
enlighten the darkness of my mind with thy wisdom; increase in me
faith, hope, and charity. Adorn my soul with such graces and virtues as
will ever be pleasing to thy divine Son and to thee. Assist me in life,
and console me in death, with thy most amiable presence, and present me
to the most august Trinity as thy devoted servant and child; that I may
eternally bless and praise thee in paradise. Amen 2 Hail Marys and Glory be to the Father. The New Raccolta 1903
Links:
Carmelites of Fairfield, Pennsylvania
Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, Wyoming
Monastery of the Little Flower of Jesus Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Jacksonville, Florida
Seven Carmelite
Nuns of the Strict Ancien observance of the Mother-Carmel at Lanark,
Allentown, Pa., will soon be transferred to Asheville, N.C. , to found a
new Carmelite Monastery there under the title of "Carmel of St. Joseph
and the Holy Child."
The nuns are going to North Carolina at the
invitation of the Most Rev. Vincent S. Waters, Bishop of Raleigh. Their
establishment in the Raleigh Diocese will be the first monastery for
strictly cloistered nuns in North Carolina.
Bishop to Pontificate
Solemn opening services and the first Mass will be celebrated at the new Asheville Carmel by Bishop Waters on March 19..
Authorization
for the new monastery has come from Pope Pius XII through the Sacred
Congregation for the Religious, since the nuns are members of a Papal
Institute. Previous approval had been granted by the most Rev. John F.
O'Hara, C.S.C., Archbishop of Philadelphia.
This will be the second
Carmelite monastery to be founded in the United States from the
Allentown Mother-Carmel. In November 1954, seven nuns left there to
establish a new Carmel in Wahpeton, North Dakota.
Departure Ceremonies
Special
departure ceremonies were conducted at the Allentown Monastery on March
7. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Leo G. Fink, P.A., V.F., presided and presented
Mission Crosses to the seven nuns who will form the new North Carolina
community. They are: Reverend Mother M. Bernadette of Our Lady of
Lourdes, a native of Philadelphia, who entered the Allentown Carmel on
March 5, 1934. She will serve as Mother Prioress to the new community.
Sister
Mary Magdalen of Jesus, of Allentown, who entered the Allentown Carmel
on July 16, 1933, Assistant to the Mother Prioress.
Also, Sister Mary
Anne of St. Bartholomew, of Philadelphia; Sister Mary Veronica of the
Holy Face, Jersey City, N.J.; Sister Mary Patricia of the Nativity, of
Philadelphia; Sister Mary Genevieve of the Holy Face, of Philadelphia;
and Sister Marie of the Sacred Heart, candidate for the new novitiate of
New Bedford, Mass.
Note 25th Anniversary
The Allentown
Carmelites are currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of their
establishment in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which marks their
first foundation in the United State, under the leadership of the late
Reverend Mother Therese of Jesus and her companion, Mother Clement Mary
of the Guardian Angel. The Carmelites were established by the General of
the Carmelite Order, Blessed John Soreth, Ord. Carm. , on October 14,
1453, at Guelder, Holland. About 26 years before, St. Teresa of Avila
began her reform of the Carmelites, in Spain, a branch of the original
monastery was founded in Naples, Italy, in 1536. it was from this
Carmelite Monastery of Naples in Italy that Carmel of the Strict Ancient
Observance extended to American soil its first Foundation on May 22,
1931, at Lanark, near Allentown.
Life of a Carmelite
These
Carmelite nuns take Solemn Vows of obedience, chastity and poverty, and
observe strict Papal Enclosure. The choir religious chant the Divine
Office in common. In addition to the Divine office, the cloistered
religious observe perpetual adoration of the Holy Sacrament. Day and
night, one or two Sisters kneel before the tabernacle, adoring,
praising, petitioning for the needs of Mother Church throughout the
world, for the Vicar of Christ on earth, for personal sanctification,
and for the sanctification of all. The greater part of the day and night
of the cloistered nuns is spent in prayer, meditation and other
spiritual exercises. A certain part of the day is devoted to manual
labor.
Source: The Catholic Standard and Times, Vol. 61, 9 March 1956
Henry II
by VP
Posted on Tuesday July 15, 2025 at 01:00AM in Saints
"PIETY, MEEKNESS, AND BRAVERY.- Henry II., anointed emperor of Germany on the 8th July, 1002, showed by his life that piety is a royal virtue, because it had justice as its companion, and that piety and justice sanctify bravery when allied with mercy. Though four times compelled to fight against his revolting subjects, he as often pardoned them. Great wars gave full employment to his arms. He subdued Poland, Bohemia, and Moravia, the populations whereof had made incursions into the empire. He drove out the Saracens from Italy, whose presence had been disturbing Rome and Christendom in general. Being at length at peace on every hand, he journeyed through his dominions in order to impart new life while repressing abuses, establishing justice, and protecting religion. He expelled all flatterers from the imperial court, and loaded with favours such as reproached him for any fault. He died at Halberstadt, on the 14th July, 1024, and was canonized in 1152. Werinhair, the bishop of Strasbourg, prevented him from relinquishing the sceptre, as he had intended, with the aim of seeking greater perfection.
MORAL REFLECTION.-Happy would it be for nations
were those invested with the governing power true saints; and saints
they would be, did they but remember that they hold the place of
God.-(Prov. viii.) Pictorial Half Hour with the Saints, by Abbe Lecanu
St. Kateri Tekakwitha, 1656-1680
by VP
Posted on Monday July 14, 2025 at 10:46AM in Saints
- Novena Prayer to Saint kateri Tekakwitha "Lily of the Mohawks":
Kateri, favored child and Lily of the Mohawks, I come to seek your intercession in my present need: (mention it).
I admire the virtues which adorned your soul: love of God and neighbor, humility, obedience, patience, purity and the spirit of sacrifice. Help me to imitate your example in my state of Life. Through the goodness and mercy of God, Who has blessed you with so many graces which led you to the true faith and to a high degree of holiness, pray to God for me and help me.
Obtain for me a very fervent devotion of the Holy Eucharist so that I may love Holy Mass as you did and receive Holy Communion as often as I can. Teach me also to be devoted to my crucified Savior as you were, that I amy cheerfully bear my daily crosses for love of Him Who suffered so much for love of me. Most of all I beg you to pray for me that I may avoid sin, lead a holy life and save my soul. Amen
The Altar was a gift from King Louis XIV (Source: Semaine Missionnaire 1927)
Source: Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks, 1656-1680 By Edouard Lecompte (S.J.) · 1927 page 29
"With Kateri's angelic purity went an intense devotion for Our Lord's Passion and an ardent love of the Blessed Eucharist. In order to recall the memory of Jesus crucified, she wore on her neck and frequently kissed a little crucifix given to her by Father Cholenec. Moreover, as this narrative shows, she not only wore but generously bore the Cross of Christ.
Whence came her unflinching strength to make such daily sacrifices to God? From her love of the Divine Eucharist. Jesus in the tabernacle, Jesus in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus in her heart through Holy Communion, Jesus was her life, Jesus was her delight. To Him she went as often as she could. It was a saying in the village that Kateri's only place was in her cabin or in church. Thither she dragged herself, despite her infirmities, and remained whole hours, seraphlike. The lives of the greatest saints do not reveal a more ardent love than burnt in the heart of the saintly Iroquois for the august Sacrament of our altars."
Source: Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks, 1656-1680 By Edouard Lecompte (S.J.) 1927
"The quiet retreat which Kateri has chosen for herself is near the
pathway leading to the stream, and made by the women of the hunting-camp
in tramping back and forth for water. There, in her rustic oratory, she
is accustomed to kneel amid the snow. She does not raise her head
except to look at the cross she has cut
on the trunk of a tree. Her hands are crossed on her breast, and her
blanket hangs loosely down from her head and shoulders in many a
careless fold. The rivulet close beside her is crusted with ice, and the
bushes are heavy with snow. The water runs freely and swiftly a little
beyond her where there is a break in the line of bushes along the brink
of the stream. They have been thrust aside, and the snow has fallen from
them. Here it is that the women come to dip water for the camp. Kateri
was there in the morning, and among the very first. She helped to
prepare the breakfast for the hunters. She was present also at the
morning prayers which were said in common. It was not until the men were
busily engaged in eating a meal that would last them the greater part
of the day, and the women, with nothing special to do, were hovering
about seeking a chance to join in the good cheer and see the hunters
off, that Kateri slipped away, and now is hiding among the trees, as
though she were nothing else than a little white rabbit that makes his
home in a snow-bank.
One would scarcely notice the print of her moccasins where she passed along by the bushes. The snow is tufty and light. The long, low branches of Kateri's tree the one on which she has marked the cross – are bowed with its weight. They almost touch the ground, and shelter her motionless figure on the side towards the moccasintrail that leads to the water's edge. Little wavy lines on either side of the interlacing footprints of the women show where their blankets and skirts with shaggy fringe disturbed the even surface of the new-fallen snow as they passed along. Kateri brushed away the freshest of the snowy mass in front of her cross, before she be gan her prayers. She kneels on the hard-packed snow that is fast frozen to the ground. Her figure is sharply outlined against a little white mound of feathery flakes. Her thoughts are many miles away, though her eyes are fixed on the cross, which is suddenly lit up by a flash from the rising sun. She knows that the moment has come for Mass to begin in the village chapel at the great rapid of the St. Lawrence. In spirit she kneels with the few who are gathered there, and follows the Mass from beginning to end with appropriate prayers. She begs her guardian angel to fly away to the chapel and bring her back the fruits of the sacrifice there being offered." Source: The life and times of Kateri Tekakwitha by Ellen Hardin Walworth 1893
