Current Feed Content from 2 Sep 08 17:14
Praying the Rosary in Montfortian Spirituality
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:00:00 GMTDuring the time of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, he had to contend with those who do not believe in Marian devotion and intercession. His whole mission and ministry thus was to make Mary and Marian devotion popular among the Catholic populace of France. And one of the most favorite materials for his preaching was the meaning of the rosary. From his teaching on the subject of rosary, we will learn that: (1) it is a secret to capture the interest of everyone: to win the hardest heart and the most despairing people; to conserve souls in the state of grace; and to help others aspire to perfection; (2) it is destined for everyone: the learned and the ignorant, the just and the sinners, the great and the small; (3) it is the easiest of prayers: the simple folks are able to learn the virtues of Jesus and Mary in the mysteries, while the learned find it as a source of the most profound doctrine through meditation on its mysteries.Papal, Holy See Highlights For 2008: APRIL-JUL - VIS
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:00:00 GMTVATICAN CITY, 31 JUL 2008 ( VIS ) - This was the last press release from the Vatican before it temporarily stopped its service which is to resume this September 01. The last press release shows a listing of the events and the highlight which the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI attended and was involved in. Recorded in this page of his activities was the popular and most successful July 12-21 apostolic trip to Australia for 23rd Word Youth Day, which has as its theme : "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses".Sunday Lectionary Readings for Year A
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:00:00 GMTJust to see where we are heading in our Catholic liturgy, this page gives the overall line-up of the Sunday celebrations for the cycle A of our Catholic liturgy. As we will see in the page, we are now heading towards the celebration of the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. There are 10 more weeks left before we end the Year A or Cycle A of our Liturgical Year. For those of you who want to review the readings of the previous Sundays, we have provided the links to the readings themselves. We hope that we can complete the provision of anchor links so that you can go directly to the page where the complete readings are published: all the first, second, and gospel readings, plus the responsorial psalm.Lectionary Readings for the 23rd Sunday of the Year, Year A
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:00:00 GMTWe are fast approaching the end of Ordinary Time. This coming Sunday, September 7, would already be the 23rd Sunday of the Year. In about ten to eleven weeks time, we would be celebrating the end of the Year with the solemnity of Christ the King. Time flies so fast. So, for this 23rd Sunday of the Year, we have the following readings: from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, from the letter of Paul to the Romans, and from the gospel of Matthew. In the book of Ezekiel, we will learn how the Lord gave the prophet Ezekiel a big responsibility: that of being watchman of the house of Israel - warning them to dissuade from the wicked way. Then in the letter of Paul to the Romans, we will learn from Paul the great value of love, because with love, nothing is done wrong to the neighbor and the fulfillment of the law is done. Lastly, in the gospel of Matthew, we will learn of two teachings of Jesus: the first on fraternal correction, and the second on the great value of praying together in the name of Jesus. In the first teaching, Jesus said that if your brother listens to your correction, you have won your brother over. But if he does not, then there is a need to summon others and the case may be resolved on the word of two or more witnesses. As for the second teaching of Jesus, we will be edified by the knowledge that whenever two or three are gathered in prayer in the name of Christ, Christ Himself will be in our midst to grant our prayer through His Father in heaven.Fathers of the Church - Church Fathers
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:00:00 GMTSeveral months ago, we had a series on the Doctors of the Church. We brought to you the lives and writings of the 33 Doctors of the Church declared by the Church. We now will feature a new series - that of the "Fathers of the Church". Some of the Doctors of the Church were also Church Fathers. So what we will feature in this series are plainly Church Fathers, but whose writings similarly influenced Christian thought and faith. The term "Father of the Church" is a traditional title given to Christian preachers, writers and theologians of the post-canonical period (after the books of the Old and New Testament were formed). Unlike the title of "Doctor of the Church", which denotes a particularly outstanding teacher, "Father of the Church" is a popular title among the Christian faithful and the people of their times, but is not a title given officially by the Church. So, even if "Father the Church" and "Doctor of the Church" are not synonymous terms, some Fathers of the Church are in fact Doctors of the Church as well. (An example would be St. Augustine and St. Ambrose). The Fathers of the Church came immediately after the age of the New Testament and contributed much to the shape of Christian belief. They were reputedly known for their sanctity (although some of the most famous of them have never been given the title of sainthood), their opinions have always carried great weight in the Catholic Church. The influence of the Fathers of the Church also extend beyond Roman Catholicism. The Orthodox are more devoted to them than Catholics are, while Anglicans and Protestants have also made extensive use of their teaching. Given in this page is a comprehensive listing of the Eastern and the Western Fathers of the Church. We hope to give you as much information about them as regards their lives and the teachings that helped shape Christian faith and helped develop it to the classic lore and wisdom we now know of.Site News: August 30, 2008 - Site was down for a few days
Sat, 30 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTOur site was down for a few days. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. We shall however return to the regular publishing of Sunday and Weekday Lectionary readings, articles on new books, book reviews, lives on the saints (more particularly, the Church Fathers), resume the series on the life of John Paul II, and write again on the many gifts of the Spirit that are given to us by virtue of our baptismal consecration and confirmation in the Catholic Church. There are also some new sections in the web site which you will discover and some adjustments that had to be made to prevent being spammed on the internet. We hope that by Monday, September 1, we can again resume the regular delivery of new content and regular items that are part of the services that this web site is providing its visitors, readers and subscribers.Saints for the Liturgical Month of September
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTFeatured on this page are brief biographical sketches of the saints for the liturgical month of September. Popular among them are: St. Gregory the Great - the pope who sent missionaries to convert the Angles and the Saxons (Sep 3), St. Peter Claver - the Jesuit missionary to South America who ministered to the black slaves (Sep 9), St. John of Chrysostom - one of the Eastern doctors of the Church (Sep 13), St. Robert Bellarmine - exemplary Jesuit who was active during the later years of the Counter Reformation (Sep 17), St. Januarius - martyr whose miraculous blood is known to liquefy every year (Sep 19), St. Matthew - a tax collector who was working in his post when Jesus called him (Sep 21), St. Vincent de Paul - a priest who founded the Congregation of the Missions, a religious congregation devoted to charitable works for the poor (Sep 27), and Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael - three archangels who are prominent in the Scriptures (Sep 29), and St. Jerome - one of the early Western Church fathers and doctors of the Church (Sep 30).R. Knox: One of the Twentieth Century?s Greatest Converts
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTRonald Knox was born in England into an Anglican family and was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1912. He was led to the Catholic Church by G.K. Chesterton in 1917 and one year later was ordained a Roman Catholic priest. Over the course of his life time he wrote many books including Captive Flames, The Belief of Catholics and The Hidden Stream. Ronald Knox stands alongside G. K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and Evelyn Waugh as a great spiritual and literary British writer whose works are once again receiving wide readership and appreciation. This page celebrates the anniversary of this great author's death on August 24th. One interesting book to note is "Ronald Knox as Apologist: Wit, Laughter and the Popish Creed", by Fr. Milton Walsh. In this book, Milton Walsh, an expert on Knox?s writing, has analyzed and provided ample quotations from the most significant writings of Knox that fall under the genre of apologetics. Knox was a superb apologist because as a priest he was a man of deep faith, and as a writer he had a wonderful way of expressing the Christian truths in an elegant and clear language.The Growth of Medieval Christendom's Boundaries in Europe
Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTWhen Christianity was made one of the state religions of the Roman Empire through the rescript of Milan that Constantine the Great issued, Christianity had the opportunity to expand and develop in the territories of the Empire. However, the new challenge for the Christian faith came from the conquering nomadic tribes which swept the Roman territories from their origins in Eastern Asia. These tribes were termed "barbarians" and they pillaged and routed wherever they roamed. There were Turco-Mongol tribes, Germanic tribes, Scandinavian tribes, Slavs, Magyars, Baltic peoples, and others. The turning point towards the introduction and acceptance of the Christian faith among them began with Clovis, who was baptized along with his whole German tribe. Soon, as the tribes settled in the territories of Europe and learned to settle down and engage in farming, they were Christianized through the influence of their leaders and kings and princes, who also followed the example of the other tribes, that eventually accepted the Christian faith and its customs. The growth of Medieval Christendom's boundaries in Europe started in the fifth century and extended up to the fifteenth century when the Eastern Europeans such as the Russians, the Livonians, and the Prussians also became Christianized.St. Stephen I of Hungary, King and Patron of Hungary
Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTVaik, who was only ten years old when his father, the leader of the Magyar tribes, had all his family members and nobles baptized, took the name Stephen upon being christened. When Stephen's father died, Stephen inherited the leadership of the Magyar tribes. To get help consolidating the tribes into a united nation, St. Stephen requested St. Astrik (whom he made archbishop) to go to the Pope and request two things: the ecclesiastical organization of their nation, and the title of king. Pope Sylvester II granted both his request and immediately St. Stephen organized both the Church and the State so that the Magyar tribes will become an independent Hungarian nation. Though St. Stephen made himself very accessible to his people, he was especially attentive to the needs of the poor. He suffered the accidental death of his only son, Blessed Emeric, who was supposed to succeed him to the throne of Hungary. The death of his son started a squabble among his nephews and the son of his sister. Though St. Stephen was fortunate not to be assassinated, he eventually was plagued by an illness towards the last years of his life. He died on the feast of the Assumption of Mary, August 15, and the Church celebrates his feast on August 16. Because of his great accomplishment as leader of his nation, St. Stephen I, a.k.a. Vaik, was declared Patron of Hungary.Lectionary Readings for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary
Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTTomorrow is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. This dogma teaches us the truth that Mary, because of her sinlessness and her being favored with God with so much grace, was assumed both body and soul into heaven. The lectionary readings for this solemnity of Mary are taken: from the book of Revelation, from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, and the gospel of Luke. In the book of Revelation, we will find the popular allusion to the great Mother of God as the "woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars". Then, in the letter to the Corinthians, Paul teaches that even though Adam sinned and brought death to the world, the "new Adam", Christ, the first fruits of the resurrection, brought life again to humanity. At His coming again, all those who belong to Him will be saved but all the enemies of God will be put under His feet. Lastly, in the gospel of Luke, we will read about the story of Mary's visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. In this passage, we will find one of the most beautifully composed hymns in the scripture: the Magnificat. This song of Mary exclaims the greatness of God and teaches us how God can easily lift up the humble and bring the proud to ruin.Celebrating Mary's Assumption: Books, videos, art and music
Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT"As our love does not start with Mary, so neither does it stop with Mary. Mary is a window through which our humanity first catches a glimpse of Divinity on earth. Or perhaps she is more like a magnifying glass; she intensifies our love of her Son and makes our prayers more bright and burning." This is a quote from Bishop Fulton J. Sheen in his book, "The World's First Love". As a communicator Bishop Sheen states, our love for Mary can only intensify and focus our love for Christ. On August 15, this coming Friday, Catholics all over the world will unite in honoring our Blessed Mother on the Feast of her Assumption into heaven. Ignatius Press is offering some of its most popular Marian books, videos, art and music featured in this page. For families, there are also children's titles included in this featured page.Lectionary Readings for the 20th Sunday of the Year, Year A
Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTThe lectionary readings for this coming Sunday, August 17, the 20th Sunday of the Year, Year A, are taken from: the book of the prophet Isaiah, the letter of Paul to the Romans, and the gospel of Matthew. In the book of Isaiah, the Lord speaks through the voice of the prophet, who teaches the people Israel that "all who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to the covenant, the Lord will bring to His holy mountain and make joyful His house of prayer". Then in the letter of Paul to the Romans, Paul speaks to the community of Gentile Christians in Rome and tells them that they have received the mercy of God through the disobedience of the Jews; and God wished to show them mercy so that the Jews too may receive His mercy. Lastly, in the gospel of Matthew, we will read the story of the Canaanite woman, who, because of her great show of faith in Christ, received a healing miracle from Him for her daughter - who was finally released from enslavement to a demon who terribly troubles her.St. Edith Stein, Carmelite Martyr and Patron of Europe
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTSt. Edith Stein was the youngest of seven children to a family of devout Jews. Her father died when she was just 21 months old and her mother then took charge of their family lumber business. Edith's family regularly attended the synagogue's services at Breslau - her hometown. At fifteen, Edith became an atheist. She attended university and was influenced by Edmund Husserl. In the University of Gottingen, a circle of leading intellectual Jewish philosophers with deep spirituality made an impact on her. Husserl himself introduced Edith to the Greek philosophers and the medieval Scholastics like St. Thomas Aquinas. Her interest in Catholicism increased until finally, against the wishes of her family, she converted to the Catholic faith after being influenced by the works of St. Teresa of Avila. Before World War II erupted, she entered the Carmel of Cologne and was then transferred to the Carmel in Holland when the Cologne Carmel became part of a danger zone. Arrested by the Gestapo because of her Jewish descent, together with her sister Rosa, she was martyred in the gas chambers of Auschwitz on August 9, 1942.Feasts of St. Dominic and Edith Stein - many titles listed
Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTSt. Dominic and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross have their feast days on August 8 and 9 respectively. St. Dominic is known for having founded the religious Order of the Dominicans, while St. Edith Stein is known for her writings, and conversion to the Catholic faith from the Jewish religion. St. Dominic founded the famous order of preachers, the Dominicans, an order which includes prominent saints and churchmen, like St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Albert the Great, and Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn. He is also the man who gave us the Rosary. St. Teresa Benedicta, better known as Edith Stein, was an accomplished Jewish woman of the early 20th century. She became well-known as a philosophical teacher and writer, and eventually converted to Catholicism after reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. She was martyred in the concentration camps at Auschwitz in 1942 along with other Jewish converts to Catholicism. The titles of the books featured on this page are about the lives of these great saints, as well as titles on the Rosary, prominent Dominicans, and other great men and women of the Church.On St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Society of Jesus
Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTFeatured on this page and honored for his feast last July 31, is the person of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Society which he founded, the Society of Jesus - known popularly as the Jesuits. Many titles are here selected as one of the best in their presentation of this noble Basque saint, who made history by founding a religious order of men who shaped the educational landscape of Europe and the new territories. The motto of their Society is Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam - for the greater glory of God.Lectionary Readings for the 19th Sunday of the Year, Year A
Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTThe lectionary readings for this coming Sunday, August 10, the 19th Sunday of the Year, Year A, are taken from: the first book of Kings, the letter of Paul to the Romans, and the gospel of Matthew. In the book of Kings, we find the story of how the prophet Elijah encountered the Lord. As the prophet was On a mountain, there was first a strong and heavy wind, then an earthquake, and then there was fire, but the Lord was not present in these occurences. It was only when a tiny whispering sound came that the Lord manifested Himself to the prophet. Then in the letter to the Romans, we find Paul defending himself before his detractors, saying that he speaks the truth in Christ: "I do not lie. My conscience bears me witness to the Holy Spirit." Lastly, in the gospel of Matthew, we will read the story of the miraculous sign of Jesus walking on the water. When Peter wanted to come and walk to Jesus also on the water, he was able to do so for a while, but began to sink when the winds grew strong. As Peter cried out, the Lord reached out His hand to save Peter.Loaves and Fishes, by Joseph A. Grassi
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTOne key to understanding the gospel last Sunday, the 18th Sunday of the Year, Year A, is to look at it from the angle of Christ's use of meals in His ministry and preaching. Joseph A. Grassi's book "Loaves and Fishes", studies this angle and adds that in the gospels, mention of bread is not merely food for thought, but rather refer to actual food or bread. And this theme is found in almost every page of the four gospels. Grassi's book, uncovers this food language by analyzing the miraculous feeding narratives (the multiplication of the loaves) of each of the four gospels.Studying the Bible - Learning More from Scriptures
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMTStudying the Bible is a very interesting activity and an enriching experience. Not only does one grow in knowledge, but more importantly, also understand the spiritual wisdom that is embedded in every bible verse. The process of studying the Bible and making it an essential part of one?s spiritual growth can be a lifelong task. Everytime we bring our human experiences before the Word, and see how God speaks to us through them, we shall be more and more grounded in a Christian spiritual tradition of wisdom that will help us live life well and more according to God's will, as has been practiced by many Christians for since the early Christian eras.Series: On the Life of John Paul II (1969-1978)
Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:00:00 GMTWe continue the series on the life of John Paul II - this time relating what transpired in the years 1969-1978. As of 1969, Karol Wojtyla was already a Cardinal. He did not want to be involved in the politics of his time except when situations in Poland worsened: food shortages and the repression of local media by the Soviets. When the workers went on a massive strike, Cardinal Wojtyla persuaded the workers to return to their work, and dissuaded the Soviet Regime to release the dissident strikers and union leaders. As these events were happening in Poland, then came the sudden news of the death of Paul VI. Wojtyla and Wyszynksi, two Polish Cardinals were called to the Conclave at Rome. The result of that Conclave was the election of John Paul I. This Pope however reigned for only three weeks because he succumbed to a pulmonary embolism. Thus, the two Polish Cardinals, Wojtyla and Wyszynski were recalled to Rome for another Conclave. It was in this Conclave that Karol Wojtyla, unknown to the world, suddenly became Pope John Paul II - the first non-Italian pope since the 1500s.
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