July 1, 2011

Psalm 23

The Good Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside the still waters, he restores my soul.

He guides me through the right paths for His name's sake.

Although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for you are beside me:

your rod and your staff comfort me.

You spread a table before me.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflowing.

Goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life,

i shall dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

June 30, 2011....First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

Today's feast honors the countless martyrs who were killed by the mad Emperor Nero because of the fire in Rome he had blamed on them. Cruel and inhuman tortures were inflicted on the brave Christian community. the church was persecuted more or less intensely from 64 to 314 AD.

Let us pray especially today to those nameless Christian heroes and beg them for the courage to face the obstacles to faith in our day with the bravery with which they faced death itself.

June 29, Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul

St. Peter, the prince of the Apostles, was a fisherman from Bethsaida in Galilee. After being called he left everything to follow Christ ( Mark 1:17). At caesarea Philippin, Jesus changed his name of Simon into Peter (Rock). Peter was constantly at Jesus' side, and nonetheless denied him three times. And for three times Jesus asked Peter to confirm his love for him (John 21:15). After the Ascension, Peter directed the election of Matthias, and boldly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah. After he Council of Jerusalem in 49, Peter went to preach the Gospel in Rome, where he was crucified downwards on Vatican Hill during the persecution in 64.

St. Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles, was a zealous Pharisee from Tarsus. He was converted on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:18), and thereafter preached the Good News throughout Asia and Greece, where he founded many churches. To these he wrote the so-called Letters of St. Paul, which  are now listed in The New Testament. On his last visit to Jerusalem, he was arrested by fellow Jews and charged with blasphemy. being a Roman Citizen, he demanded to have his case decided by the emperor himself. He was beheaded  along Ostiense Way in the year 64. Over the Shrines of the two greatest apostles, Constantine built the magnificent basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul.

June 27, Feast day of St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and doctor

St. Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, was born in Egypt in 370. after his ordination he assisted his uncle, the Bishop of Alexandria, whom he succeeded in 412. He was known as the Doctor of incarnation, since he strenuously defended the Divine Maternity of the Blessed Mother against Nestorianism. After Cyril was appointed as Bishop of Constantinople in 428. Nestorius began preaching that there were two distinct persons in Christ, that of God and that of man, joined only by a moral union. Consequently, he denied the Incarnation and the Divine Motherhood of Mary. Cyril presided over the Council of Ephesus in 431, at which Nestorius was excommunicated by order of Pope St. Celestine I. St Cyril spent the rest of his life writing apologetical books in defense of the Catholic Faith. he died in 444, and was ordained a Doctor of the Church in 1882.

June 26, 2011

Prayer for Physical Healing 

taken from the book, Straight from the Heart, A Prayer companion as compiled and edited by Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra

Heavenly Father,

I call on you right now in a special way.

it is through your power that I was created.

Every breath I take,  every morning I wake,

and every moment of every hour 

I live under your power.

Father, I ask you now to touch me

with the same power.

For it you created me from nothing,

you can certainly recreated me.

Fill me with healing power of your Spirit.

Cast out anything that should not be in me.

Mend what is broken.

Root out any unproductive cells.

Open any blocked arteries or veins

and rebuild any damaged areas.

remove all inflammation

and cleanse any infection.

Let the warmth of your healing love

pass through my body

to make new any unhealthy areas

so that my body will function the way

you created it to function.

And Father, restore me to full health in mind and body

to make new any unhealthy areas

so that I may serve you the rest of my life.

I ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

June 25, 2011...Psalm 91

The Psalm prayed by members of the biggest Catholic Charismatric group, 

El Shaddai Prayer Partners Foundation International 

Soldier's Psalm 91 Prayer

By Harriet Yoder

O Lord Most High, help me to dwell in your secret place and abide under Your shadow.

Help me to believe and say out loud for everyone to hear that You are my refuge and my fortress; that You are my God; and that in You I put my trust.

O Lord God Almighty, please deliver me from hidden traps and diseases.

Father God, cover me with Your camouflage; hide me under Your wings; and let Your truth be my shield and buckler against the fiery darts—the lies—of the enemy.

Lord Jesus, help me not to be afraid of terrorists' attacks in the night; or weapons that fly by day; or sicknesses that walk in darkness; or destruction that wastes at noonday.

O Holy God, though a thousand fall at my side, and ten thousand fall at my right hand; please let it not come close to me and my companions.

O Lord Most High, let me live to see the reward of the wicked, because You are my refuge and my home. Let no evil conquer me and let no plague come into my house or near my family.

O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer, please set angels over me to keep me in all Your ways, to bear me up in their hands and to keep my feet from stumbling.

Father God, help me to tread upon the lion and adder and trample the young lion and the dragon under my feet.

Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart and I know Your name. Deliver me and lift me on high to soar with the eagles. I call upon you to be with me in times of trouble to deliver and honor me because I know Your name. Please show me Your salvation and satisfy me with a long life.

I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ

Amen.

June 24, Feast of St. john the Baptist

Did you know that St. John the Baptist is the Patron Saint of Quiapo, and not the Black Nazarene? and that  Quiapo church, now known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, was formerly known as The Church of St. john the Baptist?

The church commemorates the birth rather than the death of St. john, as is the custom with other saints, because he was sanctified while yet in his mother's womb. August 29th is the feast of the saint's martyrdom.

In imitation of St. John the Baptist, or Baptizer, let us, too, spend some time every day in prayer and meditation, so as to "make way for the Lord" in our own soul.

June 23, Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 

Let us give thanks because God has given us senses to enable us to grasp and know the world around us, especially our eyes, our hearing, our  taste and our smell. Let us give thanks because the son of God executed the design of the visible and invisible word: "through him was made everything that has been made." he is the first revelation of the divine attributes. let us thank God for having given us the light of the reason; for having designed to reveal to St. john the evangelist truths about paradise; for having given us the Church, guardian and interpreter of revelation and infallible teacher of truth; and for having infused in us the gift of faith and baptism.

Thanksgiving Prayers

 

 

For Appreciation of Each Other

We thank you, Father, for the gift of Jesus your Son who came to our earth and lived in a simple home. We have a greater appreciation of the value and dignity of the human family because he loved and was loved within its shelter. Bless us this day; may we grow in love for each other in our family and so give thanks to you who are the maker of all human families and our abiding peace.

 From The Catholic Prayer Book, compiled by Msgr. Michael Buckley

 .

.In Gratitude

Thank you, Father, for having created us and given us to each other in the human family. Thank you for being with us in all our joys and sorrows, for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness. Thank you for yesterday, today, tomorrow and for the whole of our lives. Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. May we live this and every day conscious of all that has been given to us.

 

From The Catholic Prayer Book, compiled by Msgr. Michael Buckley.

 

Thanksgiving Table Prayer

 

O Gracious God, we give you thanks for your overflowing generosity to us. Thank you for the blessings of the food we eat and especially for this feast today. Thank you for our home and family and friends, especially for the presence of those gathered here. Thank you for our health, our work and our play. Please send help to those who are hungry, alone, sick and suffering war and violence. Open our hearts to your love. We ask your blessing through Christ your son. Amen.

 

From Celebrating Faith: Year-round Activities For Catholic Families, by Mary Cronk Farrell

 

 

Prayer at Harvest and Thanksgiving

 

O God, source and giver of all things,
You manifest your infinite majesty, power and goodness
In the earth about us:
We give you honor and glory.
For the sun and the rain,
For the manifold fruits of our fields:
For the increase of our herds and flocks,
We thank you.
For the enrichment of our souls with divine grace,
We are grateful.

Supreme Lord of the harvest,
Graciously accept us and the fruits of our toil,
In union with Jesus, your Son,
As atonement for our sins,
For the growth of your Church,
For peace and love in our homes,
And for salvation for all.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

From Living God’s Justice: Reflections and Prayers, compiled by The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors

 

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

  Walter Rauschenbusch

 

O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of the summer fields,
And taste of the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of the snow,
And smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
And save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thornbush
Is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

 

From Living God’s Justice: Reflections and Prayers, compiled by The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors

 

June 22, Feast day of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas Moore

St. John Fisher

Sts. John fisher and Thomas Moore are the most outstanding English martyrs who were killed during the persecution of  King Henry VIII. the problem started in 1527, when Pope clement Vii refused to declare null the King's marriage with Catherine Aragon, his spouse for 18 years. The King, wanted to have A son to Anne Boyle, was maddened by the denial and separated from Rome in 1534, with the act of supremacy, he appointed himself the sovereign of the Anglican Church, and began persecuting those who remained catholic. the martyrs of England, as they are known, were tortured in barbarous manner. some were out on the rack and dismembered; others were hanged and eviscerated while still alive

St. John fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was imprisoned in London Tower after he refused to acknowledge the King as supreme head of the church of England. He was beheaded in 1535 and his head was displayed on London Bridge for several days. he died with the holy Gospel in his hands and pronouncing words of pardon for his executioner.

St. Thomas Moore

St. Thomas Moore, the Great Chancellor, preferred to disobey the King rather than God. a devout Catholic and prestigious lawyer, in 1527 he refused to support Henry VIII's claim for a divorce. five years later, he resigned from his office rather than separate from the Catholic Church. he too was convicted of treason and beheaded in 1535. before his death, he said: I am the king's servant, but God,s first.

june 22, Feast of St Paulinus of Nola

St. Paulinus, Bishop of Nola, was born at Nordeux, France, in 355. he was educated under the famous poet Ausonius, and acquired exceptional skills in poetry and rhetoric. st. Jerome said that everyone admired the purity and elegance of his diction, the delicacy of his sentiments, and the strength and sweetness of his style. Following the steps of his father, who was perfect of Gaul, he was entrusted with various public offices in Italy, gaul and Spain, where he married the beautiful Therasia. In 390, he retired to Aquitaine, where he was converted and baptized by St. Delphinus, Bishop of Bordeaux. 

After the death of their only child, he and his wife took a vow of chastity and gave away their wealth to the poor. A few years later, in response to a public demand he was ordained priest in the cathedral of Barcelona. thereafter, he settled at Nola, a small town near Naples, living with a few friends under a semi-monastic rule. he implemented religious and philanthropic programs, and every year composed a poem in honor of St. Felix, the Patron of the town. In 409, because of his reputation for holiness, Paulinus was made Bishop of Nola. he ruled with wisdom and liberality until his death, in 431.

June 21, Feast day of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious

Born in 1568, St Aloysius was the son of a high dignitary in the Spanish court. Love for prayer and a life of purity attracted him to the Jesuits. he entered the Society of Jesus at the age of sixteen and died a holy death at the age of twenty three, because of his devoted care of the plague victims. 

He is the patron of the Youth. In the last letter to his mother he wrote: Take care not to insult God's loving kindness by mourning for a dead one living face to face with God. Our parting will not be for long; we shall see each other in heaven.

A Father's Prayer

O God, help me to be true to the great privilege

and great responsibility which you have given to me.

Help me to be an example and a friend 

to my children,

and a real partner to my wife 

Don't let me get so busy

with work and with outside things

that I am almost a stranger 

in my own home,

and that I take no interest

in household things.

Don't let me take for granted

all that is done for me,

and help me to keep love alive

within the home.

Keep me from habits

which make the work of the house harder,

and from ways which irritate and annoy,

or which get on the nerves

of those who live with me.

Give me health and strength 

and work to do,

to earn a living 

for those who who depend on me

and whom I love so much;

but help me to remember

that love is always

more important than money.

O God, you have given me

the name of father;

you have given me your own name;

help me to be true to it.

this I ask for your love's sake.

AMEN

taken from the book, Straight from the Heart, A Prayer companion as compiled and edited by Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra

June 19, is the Feast Day of St. Romuald, Abbot

St. Romuald, Abbot (950 - 1027)

St. Romuald, founder of the Camaldolese Monks, was born in Ravenna, Italy. Son of a noble family, he grew up in a worldly youth. He witnessed his father killing a relative in a duel over a land property that he fled to the monastery of San Apollinare, leading a life of prayer and penance. His father, following his example, repented of his crime and spent the rest of his life in the monastery of San Severo. Three years later, Romuald became a victim of a calumny and was forced to leave the monastery.

For 30 years he traveled various lands seeking solitude and establishing small monasteries.  He established a new order of the monks in Camaldoli, near Arezzo, known as the Camaldolese. He was later accused of a scandalous crime by a young nobleman. His monks believed him and excommunicated him. He bore all the silence in six months, but then the truth came out and he was re-installed. He died in the monastery of Castro, near Ancona, in 1027

June 18, 2011, Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breathe in me, O Holy spirit,

that my thoughts may all be holy,

act in me, O Holy Spirit, 

that my works, too, may be Holy,

draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,that I love but what is holy;

strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, 

to defend all that is holy;

guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,

that I always may be holy.

AMEN

                                                                              by St. Augustine of Hippo

taken from..  Straight From the Heart, A Prayer Companion as compiled and edited by Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra

June 17, Friday

THE  MIRACLE  PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

I come before You, just as I am,I am sorry for my sins,

I repent for my sins, please forgive me,

In your name, I forgave all others for what they have done against me.

I renounce satan, the evil spirits and their works.

I give you my entire self.

Lord Jesus, now and forever, 

i invite you into my life.

Jesus, I accept you as my Lord, God, and Savior.

heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul and spirit.

Come, Lord Jesus,

cover me with your most precious blood,

and fill me with your Holy Spirit,

I love you, Lord Jesus.

I praise you, Jesus.

I thank you, Jesus,

I shall follow you every day of my life.

Amen.

Mary, my mother, Queen of Peace,

Saint Peregrine, the cancer Saint, and all you, angels and saints, 

Please help me.

Amen.

say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel, when you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word, with all your heart, something good spiritually will happen to you. You will experience Jesus, and he will change your whole life in a very special way. You will see.

taken from, Straight from the Heart, A Prayer Companion, as compiled and edited by Rev Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra

Be Strong ! ….. by Maltbie D. Bobcock

Be Strong!

We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;

We have hard work to do and loads to lift;

Shun, not the struggle – face it , ‘tis God’s gift.

Be Strong!

Say not – “The days are evil. Who’s to blame?’

And fold the hands and acquiesce

--- oh, shame!

Stand up, speak out, and bravely in God’s name.

Be strong !

It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong;

Faint not – fight on! Tomorrow

Comes the song.

Prayer to Blessed Pedro Calungsod

Blessed Pedro Calungsod was born in Cebu in the 17th century. He was a catechist. He  read, write and speak Bisaya, Spanish and even Chamorro. his mentor, Father Diego Sanvictores, brought him to Saipan.  Both were martyred for refusing to renounce their faith.

His body  was thrown into the sea. A shrine was built in his honor along the seashore. He was beatified on March 5, 2005, a three-feet statue was brought to Guam Cathedral by Cardinal Vidal immediately after his beatification. 

There are reports swirling that  Blessed Pedro Calungsod's canonization has just been approved and that a date for the canonization is about to be set.

Almighty Father,

You gave young Pedro Calungsod to faithfully live

and proclaim the Gospel up to the point of shedding his blood.

By his example and prayers,

may we also give witness to our christian faith

even in the face of dangers and difficulties.

We ask this through our Lord,

Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Prayer to St Mary Magdalene

Prayer to St Mary  Magdalene

Saint Mary Magdalene,

woman of many sins, who by conversion

became the beloved of Jesus,

thank you for your witness

that Jesus forgives

through the miracle of love.

You, who already possess eternal happiness

in His glorious presence,

please intercede for me, so that some day

I may share in the same everlasting joy.

Amen.

from the website of EWTN

June 13, Today is the Feast day of St. Anthony of Padua

St. Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. He enetered the Order of St. Francis, was ordained to the priesthood and preached throughout France and north Italy. He Died in Padua in 1231.

Because St. Anthony was able, by divine intervention to recover the book which has been stolen from him, he is invoked to help find lost articles. Let us ask hin to help us find "spiritual treasures" for heaven

.....from the book Saint and thought for everyday, by the Daughters os St. Paul

Ninth day of The Garland of St. Anthony Novena

Ninth day...

The Pearl of Chastity

St. Anthony, thou Angel in the flesh, pray for me to God that I may always serve God with a pure mind and a chaste body so that I may be worthy to see the glory of God in the life hereafter, to rejoice with thee in thy jewelled crown, and to have a share in the glory of the Saints in heaven. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory, Litany of St. Anthony..

Eight day of The Garland of St. Anthony Novena

Eight day...

Violet of Humility

I greet thee, blessed Anthony, in the name of all holy Widows and Spouses, who, by living their faith here on earth, are now rewarded with seeing face to face Him Whom there hearts loved here below. I praise the Eternal Majesty of God, Who bestowed on thee the grace of humility, by which thou didst seek no earthly honors or glory, but solely the love of the One God in Three Persons. I beseech thee to intercede for me at His throne, together with all the Holy Widows and Spouses, that he may grant me my petition through your unlimited prayers and merits.. Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory, Litany of St. Anthony..

June 11, today is the Feast day of St. Barnabas, Apostle

St. Barnabas, a cousin of St. Mark was a Hebrew born in Cyprus. His name was Joseph was later changed by the apostles to Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36) because of his kind and optimistic nature. Barnabas sold his land and brought the price to the apostles. He St Paul went to Jerusalem, it was Barnabas who took charge and brought him to the apostles (Acts 9:27). He accompanied St. Paul to the cities of Asia Minor. Traditions says he was stoned to death at Salamis during the persecution of the 60's.

June 10, The Seventh day of The Garland of St. Anthony Novena

Seventh day.......

Lily of Purity

I greet thee, blessed Anthony, in the name of all the holy Virgins and Innocents, who were especially blessed and rewarded by God for having comes from heaven. I praise the Holy Ghost for giving thee the grace to overcome all inordinate desires of the flesh, to keep unsullied thy purity, to keep unsullied thy purity, and thus always walk in the peace of the presence of God. I beg thee, in the company of all the holy Virgins and innocents, to approach the throne of the Most High, and by your united prayers and merits there to obtain for me my petition. Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory, Litany of St. Anthony..

June 9, The Sixth day of The Garland of St. Anthony Novena

Sixth day...

Gentian of Meekness

I greet thee, blessed Anthony, in the name of all the holy Monks and Hermits, who gained hundredfold reward and eternal life by leaving everything behind to follow their Divine Master. I praise God's Eternal Word, who bestowed on thee the grace of His calling thee to a life of self-renunciation, mortification, watchfulness, and exclusive service to God. I beseech thee, in company with all the Holy Monks and Hermits to approach God's throne, thereto obtain for me my petition by your united prayers and merits. Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory, Litany of St. Anthony..

June 9, today is the Feast Day of St. Ephrem

St. Ephrem was born in Nisbis, Syria in 306 from a pagan family. Whe Ephrem became a Christian at the age of eighteen, he was out of his paternal home by his father who was a pagan priest. Ephrem then became a monk and was ordained deacon. He became a disciple of St. Jacob, Bishop of Nisbis. In the silence of his cave, he wrote  the greater part of his spiritual works and biblical commentaries. His greatest merit was the introduction of sacred songs into church's liturgy, for which he entered into history as The harp of the Holy Spirit.

Today is Wednesday, Our Mother of Perpetual help novena

Image comes from the Our Lady of Perpetual Help novena website of the Catholic Church of the Most Holy Redeemer.

Came across this Image in the internet , explaining the meaning of the symbols used in the icon

June 8, The Fifith day of The Garland of St. Anthony Novena

Fifth day.......

 Marigold of Mildness

I greet thee, blessed Anthony, in the name of all the holy Bishops and Priests, who by the generosity of their charity, effectively preached the Love dwelling in the Sacred Heart of the Redeemer. I praise the Triune God for inflaming thy heart with that same gift of charity which made Saints of them and which made thee so generous and prompt in helping those invoking thee, that thou art truly called "Everybody's saint". I beseech thee to approach God's throne in company with all the holy Bishops and Priests, and there obtain for me my petition by your united prayers and merits. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory, Litany of St. Anthony..

Prayer for Financial Blessings

Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you

Abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a

Family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and

Wife, but all who believe and trust in You.

GOD, I send up a prayer request for financial blessing for not only the

Person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded

This message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who

Believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything.! I thank you in

Advance for your blessings. God, deliver the person reading this right

Now from debt and debt burdens.

Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that you

Have given me GOD, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how

If we just obey you and walk in your word and have the faith of a

Mustard seed that you will pour out blessings. I thank you now Lord for

The recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come

Because I know you are not done with me yet. In Jesus name,  Amen

ANONYMOUS

I came across this prayer while surfing the internet, searching for a prayer to St. Expeditus.

Not only was I able to find a prayer, I was able to search for a 9-day novena to the wonderful saint. I will publish the said novena after our novena to St. Anthony.

Thanksgiving prayer for a Favor received

Thank you, O God, for hearing my prayer and granting my request.

Thank you for all the kindness you have shown me.

Thank you, Father, for your great LOVE in giving me my life,

for your patience in preserving me despite my sinfulness,

for your protection in the past and for the opportunity to serve

and honor you in  the future

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for keeping me numberless times from sin

 and death by the toils of your life,

the sufferings of your passion, 

and by your victorious resurrection.

Thank you, Holy Spirit of God,

for bestowing so many graces upon my soul

and for having so frequently renewed your life within me.

May my life, from now on,

be a sign of my gratefulness.

Amen.

from the book, Straight from the heart, A prayer companion..compiled by Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra