Keep
your eyes open!...
November 29, 2017
(1Co 15:54-55) And
when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the
saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death,
where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?
POPE FRANCIS:
“At the end of our life we will be judged on love, that is, on our
concrete commitment to love and to serve Jesus in our smallest and most
needy brothers.”
CATHOLIC JOURNAL: What Eternity Means by Fr Joseph Esper
CATHOLIC EXCHANGE: The Mystery of Death by Fr. Jerry Pokorsky
At first glance, it may seem that while death is unpleasant, it is
natural to man. Every person born into the world has died or will die.
Sometimes the only “cure” for terrible suffering is death. When the
many miracles of medical science fail, and death becomes a stern
prospect, it may seem more like a friend than an enemy. St. Ambrose
acknowledges that death is truly a gift to man after the Adam’s fall
because death limits suffering.
In this way we are ambivalent about death. We are relieved when a loved
one who has suffered so much finally succumbs to a natural death. But
if death is “natural,” is it also natural to be horrified by the
prospect of death? As children, did not we think we would live forever?
And as we grow older, do we not become more aware of our mortality with
every passing year? It is healthy, normal and natural to love life. Do
we fear death because death is essentially unnatural?
When the Lord wept at the tomb of Lazarus, he not only revealed his
compassion for his friend, he confirmed what was written in the Book of
Wisdom: “God did not make death, and He does not delight in the death
of the living. For He created all things that they might exist” (Wis
1:13). Christ wept not only because Lazarus was his friend; He wept for
all us destined to die. Christ weeps at the horror of death.
Death is not natural. God is the author of nature and all nature is
good. God did not create us to die; He created us to live. Death,
however, entered the world because of disobedience, that is, sin. Death
violates God’s handiwork. But death is not the ultimate evil. Sin is
the cause of death. Sin violates man’s dignity by upsetting the right
order of things as established by the Creator. From the sin of Adam to
our own sins, man suffers because of the disorder that he himself
caused by disobedience.
Through sin, we bring disorder and suffering on ourselves.
Despite our disobedience, God continues to desire our happiness.
So our suffering must be healed at its root. Medical science can take
away most of our physical pain, but medical science cannot guarantee us
eternal life. Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, is now dead. All
who were cured by Christ are now dead. Either the ministry of Christ
was a cruel joke, or His mighty deeds were directing our attention to
something far more profound than physical healing. The root of all
suffering is sin, and sin must be forgiven to avoid eternal suffering.
Hence, the miracles of Christ ultimately have meaning for us to the
extent that they stir us to faith in Him. Jesus did not come into the
world to be a mere wonderworker. He came to rescue and forgive sinners
and to heal our wounded souls. Christ alone has authority to forgive
sins, an authority He entrusts to His priests. He wants to heal and
restore our human nature to its original innocence. Just as Christ was
“obedient unto death” to the Father, He beckons us to take up our
crosses and follow Him in faith. In our Faith, Christ’s cross is not a
sign of defeat, but a promise of final victory.
Death remains a mystery. But with the obedience of faith in Christ, we
begin to overcome our ambivalence towards death. Death has become the
“narrow gate” for life with Christ. For in Christ, with the certainty
of faith, we can joyfully proclaim with St. Paul, “Death, where is thy
victory? Death, where is thy sting?”
HOMILY: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Summary: Death is something that we all must embrace. Nature, during
this fall season, gives us a sign of that truth (animals hibernate,
plants shed their leaves, days grow short). Death is the great
equalizer…it gets everyone… rich, poor, young, old, virtuous and
vicious, high and low. Even the great Enoch and Elias still owe God one
death and it will indeed come to them as spoken of in the 11th chapter
of the Apocalypse. May a healthy and holy view of death not be a
stranger to us. May a holy preparation for death be not foreign to us.
Let us keep our crucifixes pressed close to our lips and hearts, and
ever before our eyes.
Let us make our nine first Fridays of reparation to the Sacred Heart,
keeping in mind the wonderful promises it gives… namely: “I will be
their refuge during life and above all in death.” And “I promise you in
the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to
all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive
months, the grace of final penitence: they will not die in My disgrace,
nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their
safe refuge in this last moment.” “Precious in the sight of the Lord is
the death of His faithful!” And we will be among those who have many
true tales to tell for God’s glory!
MEDITATION: Thoughts
by St Theophan (1815-1894)
[Eph. 4:1-6; Luke 10:25-37]
To the man who asked how to be saved, the Lord on his part offered a
question: What is written in the law? how readest thou? By this He
showed that to resolve all perplexity one must turn to the word of God.
And so that there will not be such perplexity at all it is best to
always read Divine Scripture attentively, with discernment and
sympathy, applying it to your own life, and fulfilling in your own
thoughts what relates to thoughts, in your own feelings and
dispositions what relates to the senses, and in your deeds what relates
to deeds.
One who hearkens to the word of God gathers bright understanding of all
that is in him, what is near to him, and what is above him; he
clarifies his obligations in all aspects of life, and holy rules, like
valuable pearls, are strung onto the thread of his conscience, which
then precisely and definitely indicate how and when to act so that he
please the Lord. He tames the passions — something reading the word of
God always acts to assuage. No matter what passion troubles you, begin
to read the word of God and the passion will become quieter and
quieter, and at last it will be entirely calmed. He who enriches
himself through knowledge of the word of God is overshadowed by the
pillar of cloud which guided the Israelites in the desert.
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 20- "On bodily vigil"
5. Vigil is a quenching of lust, deliverance from
dream phantoms, a tearful eye, a softened heart, the guarding of thoughts,
the smelting furnace of food, the subduing of passions, the taming of spirits,
the chastisement of the tongue, the banisment of phantasies.
November 27, 2017
(Mat 28:19-20) Going
therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you
all days, even to the consummation of the world.
CARDINAL TAGLE:
“We are very happy that the Holy Father is visiting countries like
Myanmar and Bangladesh where Christians are a minority. Not only
in Asia but in those two countries, we have very precarious situations,
[both] political and humanitarian situations. The Gospel brings
people, hopefully, together in love. So we are very hopeful that this
will happen".
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE: Longing for peace: Pope to preach dialogue in Bangladesh, Myanmar
VATICAN RADIO: Pope Francis sends video message to Myanmar ahead of visit
VATICAN RADIO: Pope Francis sends video message to the people of Bangladesh
NEWS: Myanmar braces for Pope Francis visit as Buddhist nationalism burns bright
A fiery brand of Buddhist nationalism is burning brighter than ever as
Myanmar braces for its first ever papal visit, posing a challenge to
the message of religious tolerance Pope Francis is expected to preach
next week.
A wing of extremist monks have been stirring Islamaphobia in Myanmar
for years, earning a reputation as incubators of “Buddhist terror”.
But their cause has received new support since August, when the army
launched a brutal crackdown on the Muslim Rohingya, expelling more than
half a million from the country.
Global outrage over the violence — which the UN and the US have called
ethnic cleansing — has triggered an ultra-nationalistic reflex inside
Myanmar, pushing the public towards firebrand monks who have long cast
the Rohingya as ill-intentioned outsiders.
“Our ideas have now won the vast majority of the population,” said Ottama, a prominent monk in Buddhist nationalist circles.
Francis is already in the crosshairs of Buddhist hardliners for
expressing sympathy for the Rohingya, whom he has referred to as
“brothers”.
His public comments in Myanmar will be closely scoured for any mention
of the group by name -- the term is rejected by the army, government
and many in the Buddhist public, who insist the Muslims are “Bengalis”.
“I do not understand why the Pope is coming in the middle of a
conflict, many people say he's coming for the Bengalis,” Nyo Nyo Aung,
a follower of an ultra-nationalist monk, told AFP.
Myanmar's Catholic leaders have advised the Pope not to use the
'R-word', a path Suu Kyi has also taken to avoid triggering backlash
from Buddhist nationalists, a powerful political bloc.
OPINION: Pope Francis shouldn't risk going to Myanmar
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MORE: Schedule of Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Myanmar, Bangladesh
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 20- "On bodily vigil"
4. A vigilant monk is a foe to fornication, but
a sleepy one is its mate.
November 23, 2017
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
(Col 3:15-17) And
let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are
called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in
you abundantly: in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in
psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts
to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
YOUTUBE: Want to be happy? Be grateful
DR. TAYLOR MARSHALL: 6 Interesting Catholic Thanksgiving Facts You Need to Know
ALETEIA: The first Thanksgiving in America was a Catholic Mass
id you know that the first “thanksgiving” meal in the United States was
not celebrated by the Pilgrims in Plymouth, but by Spanish settlers, in
what became Florida? And that first “Thanksgiving” was Eucharistic!
Historian Dr. Michael Gannon narrates the events that took place on September 8, 1565.
“When the first Spanish settlers landed in what is now St. Augustine on
September 8, 1565, to build a settlement, their first act was to hold a
religious service to thank God for the safe arrival of the Spanish
fleet… After the Mass, Father Francisco Lopez, the Chaplin of the
Spanish ships and the first pastor of St. Augustine, stipulated that
the natives from the Timucua tribe be fed along with the Spanish
settlers, including Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the leader of the
expedition. It was the very first Thanksgiving and the first
Thanksgiving meal in the United States.”
The Spaniards, with food that they brought with them on the ship,
prepared the communal meal. According to records, the meal would have
consisted of salted pork, garbanzo beans, ship’s bread and red wine.
This account of the first “thanksgiving” reflects what was found in
Father Francisco’s memoirs. In it we read, “the feast day [was]
observed . . . after Mass, ‘the Adelantado [Menendez] had the Indians
fed and dined himself.’” The feast celebrated by the Spaniards was that
of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birthday, a day in the Church calendar
that follows nine months after the feast of the Immaculate Conception
of Mary on December 8 (which just happens to be the patronal feast of
the United States of America).
The meal “may have also included Caribbean foods that were probably
collected when Menéndez stopped to regroup and resupply at San Juan
Puerto Rico before continuing to Florida… If the Timucua contributed,
it would likely have been with corn, fresh fish, berries, or beans.”
Additionally, before the Mass was celebrated, “Father Francisco López,
the fleet chaplain…came ashore ahead of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the
leader of the founding expedition, and then went forward to meet
Menéndez holding a cross… Menéndez came on land, knelt and kissed the
cross.” This historical event reminds us that the Eucharist (from the
Greek that literally means “thanksgiving”) is the primary way to offer
thanks on Thanksgiving Day, followed by a meal shared in a spirit of
fraternity. Let God be a central part of your holiday! As Americans
this is our heritage, one that we hope to pass on to the next
generation.
BLOG: The Eucharist as Thanksgiving:
The Greek word for Thanksgiving is Eucharistia. Catholics
should not only celebrate Thanksgiving with a deep sense of prayer,
gratitude and joy, but the celebration this day should lead us to
remember that our lives as Catholics are a constant act of
thanksgiving, through our daily activities, all of which should give
glory to God, especially through the celebration of the Eucharist,
which, as the Catechism says, “The Eucharist is a sacrifice of
thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the church expresses
her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has
accomplished through creation, redemption and sanctification. Eucharist
means first of all ‘thanksgiving.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church).
CHURCHPOP: The Miraculous Story of the Forgotten Catholic Hero of the First Thanksgiving
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 20- "On bodily vigil"
3. A vigilent eye makes the mind pure; but much
sleep hardens the soul.
November 22, 2017
(1Ti 2:1-4) I
desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers,
intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men: For kings and for
all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable
life in all piety and chastity. For this is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Saviour, Who will have all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.
FR RICHARD HEILMAN: Combat Rosaries for the White House
AUDIO HOMILY: A Year After the Trump Election
Summary: We cannot fall prey to an irrational patriotism or chauvinism
or jingoism which attributes too much credit to our beloved country or
wants other countries to be like ours even if they have to be forced
into it. We love America…but not the ideology of Americanism. We love
our land, our ancestors, our people, our patrimony, but not necessarily
the whole mythology of American Exceptionalism. Love of country is
natural and is not based on slogans and propaganda. People feel a
natural attachment to their place of origin. There is a willingness in
them to fight to protect their homes and their communities. We
naturally owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for all they have done
for us, but also for our community, our state, and yes the country we
grew up in.
For us who are members of the One True Church, we know that Christ and
His Holy Kingdom alone bring true supernatural enlightenment and
supernatural life to men. Christ and His Catholic Church provide the
only lasting hope for mankind. The very world we live in…the universe
itself…was created for the sake of the Catholic Church. As St. John of
the Cross, the great Carmelite mystic observed, the cosmos was created
for the purpose of being a palace for the Church…a special castle for
the Queen of Christ the King. The City shining upon the Hill or the New
Jerusalem is the Mystical Body of Christ. The beacon shining out to men
in darkness is the Lux Mundi…the Light of the World…the Son of God Who
enlightens the Moon of the Church who receives and reflects His perfect
light.
But with that correction and clarification being made, there is no
doubt that the good Lord does use various nations and secular leaders
to accomplish His Holy Will. The Most Holy Trinity is concerned not
just with spiritual and eternal matters, but also with the temporal
affairs of men. The good Lord knows that rulers and nations can either
assist in the work of salvation, or they can be a great hindrance. The
Good Lord is concerned about souls and bodies…that He is Lord of heaven
but also Lord and King of this earth…and that He is politically aware
and active. While one does have to be cautious in suggesting that there
might have been some Divine Collusion in regards to influencing last
year's presidential election, one can surmise that the angels were
watching out for us.
MSGR. CHARLES POPE: Teachings On Authority
POPE FRANCIS: “‘A
good Catholic doesn’t meddle in politics.’ That’s not true. That is not
a good path. A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of
himself, so that those who govern can govern. But what is the best that
we can offer to those who govern? Prayer! That’s what Paul says: “Pray
for all people, and for the king and for all in authority.” “But
Father, that person is wicked, he should go to hell. . . .” Pray for
him, pray for her, that they can govern well, that they can love their
people, that they can serve their people, that they can be humble.” A
Christian who does not pray for those who govern is not a good
Christian! “But Father, how will I pray for that person, a person who
has problems. . . .” “Pray that that person might convert!”
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 20- "On bodily vigil"
1. Some stand before earthly kings without weapons
and without armour; but others hold staffs of office, or have shields,
or swords. The former are vastly superior to the latter, for they are usually
personal relations of the king and members of the royal household. So it
is with earthly kings.
November 20, 2017
(Heb 12:1-2) And
therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head,
laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by
patience to the fight proposed to us: Looking on Jesus, the author and
finisher of faith, who, having joy set before him, endured the cross,
despising the shame, and now sitteth on the right hand of the throne of
God.
POPE FRANCIS:
“Humble and faithful disciple of Christ, he was distinguished for his
tireless service to the poor. May his witness help priests, Religious
and laity to live with joy the bond between the proclamation of the
Gospel and love of the poor.”
MICHIGAN CATHOLIC: Holy Capuchin friar beatified before 65,000 people at Detroit’s Ford Field
SOLANUS CASEY CENTER: Get to Know Fr. Solanus
FATHER JOSEPH ESPER: Blessed Solanus Casey: A Life of Holy Humility
A major event in the history of the Archdiocese of Detroit will occur
on November 18th: Venerable Solanus Casey will be beatified, or given
the title “Blessed”—the final step before possibly being declared a
saint. Even though he grew up in Wisconsin, Detroiters have always
considered him “ours” due to the numerous years he spent here, and the
many amazing healings and other miracles that occurred through his
prayers and intercession. Because of his loving and outgoing nature,
Father Solanus was extremely popular at his assignments in New York,
Indiana, and especially in Detroit. However, his path to holiness was
not an easy one. As a young man, Barney Casey—the name he was given at
birth—was very prayerful and spiritual. After several different
jobs—including as a prison guard, during which he made friends with
many of the convicts—he decided God was calling him to the priesthood.
At the age of twenty- six he entered the local diocesan seminary in
Milwaukee, but because of his academic failures, was dismissed. Barney
made a novena for guidance, and heard a voice from Heaven telling him
“Go to Detroit.” Doing so, he enrolled in the Capuchin seminary.
The Capuchins, who are a branch of the Franciscan Order, quickly
realized Barney was a spiritual treasure, capable of achieving great
holiness—but they were also concerned about his intellect: would he be
smart enough to serve as a priest? Barney, who was given the name
Solanus, was asked in 1901 to a sign a humiliating statement which
read: “Since I do not know whether as a result of my meager talents and
defective studies I am fit to assume the many-sided duties and serious
responsibilities of the priesthood, I hereby declare that I do not want
to become a priest if my legitimate superiors consider me unqualified.”
I suspect most seminarians—myself included—would have considered this
an unbearable insult, and would have refused or even rebelled. Solanus
didn’t. He was hurt and confused by the request, but he made a heroic
act of faith in God and humbly signed the document. If he hadn’t, he
would not have later become a priest and probably would not have become
holy. Three years later, in 1904, to his great joy, Solanus learned he
would be ordained a priest—but then a further painful humiliation
arose. His superiors decided he would be ordained a “priest
simplex”—that is, a priest who, because he “didn’t know enough,” would
only be allowed to say Mass, but not preach or hear confessions.
Solanus was tempted to anger, depression, and self-pity—but at the age
of thirty-four he accepted what would be a life-long humiliation, and
prayed every day about it until he could actually thank God for
humbling him in this manner.
Father Solanus was considered incapable of doing anything other than
serving as a porter—that is, the member of the Capuchins assigned to
answering the door of the monastery and dealing with the public. It was
in this simple capacity that over the years he became truly holy
(Patricia Treece, Nothing Short of A Miracle, pp. 38-39). In the same
way, when we humble ourselves by accepting and embracing the life God
has chosen for us, He is able to use us in a truly wonderful manner.
Humility is an absolutely essential step on the path to holiness, and
no one will enter Heaven without it.
Through the prophet Malachi (1:14-2:2, 8-10), the Lord warned the
Temple priests in Jerusalem that if they did not repent of their
arrogance and pride, He would humble them in a painful way.
Unfortunately, they did not take this message to heart; that’s why
later on Jesus—even though He acknowledged their religious
authority—publicly criticized and rebuked them on numerous occasions.
Our Lord (Mt 23:1-12) also warned His followers not to imitate the
scribes and Pharisees by seeking public honors and special privileges;
instead, He emphasized that true discipleship must involve compassion,
humility, and service. And St. Paul reminded the Thessalonians (2:7-9,
13) that this was the approach he and his fellow missionaries used
among them, stating that if they too remained humble, God’s grace would
truly be at work within them.
Humility goes against our natural human inclinations. We want or even
need to have others respect us, we enjoy being complimented, and when
we do something good or worthwhile, we hope people will notice it and
acknowledge and thank us. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with these
feelings and desires, but because of our sinful human nature, these
experiences can easily go to our head and eventually lead to the deadly
sin of pride. Pride is the sin which turned Lucifer, the greatest of
all the angels, into the hideous and repulsive creature of Satan. Pride
led Judas, one of the Twelve Apostles, to harden his heart against Our
Lord’s loving offer of friendship, and finally led to his act of
betrayal, followed by his suicide and eternal damnation. Throughout
history, pride has often resulted in wars, rebellion, injustice,
hatred, broken homes, divided families, shattered dreams, bitter
memories, ruined lives, and countless unknown human and spiritual
tragedies. Unchecked and unrepented pride will ultimately destroy us by
leading us to Hell. The only possible form of prevention or antidote is
humility.
Being humble doesn’t mean putting ourselves down, but instead, giving
God the credit for every good thing we do and every good thing we have.
Being humble doesn’t mean denying our strengths and achievements, but
instead, always being willing to notice and praise the abilities and
accomplishments of others. Being humble doesn’t mean always suffering
in silence or letting people push us around, but instead, doing all
things, enduring all things, and offering up all things—whether good
and bad—for the glory of God. Humility is simply the recognition that
God knows best, that He has an infinite love for other people just as
He does for us, and that the only way to be truly holy and truly happy
is to surrender our lives into His hands.
Father Solanus Casey is a wonderful illustration of Our Lord’s promise
that “whoever humbles himself will be exalted”—and if any of us
struggle with temptations toward pride and self-importance, asking the
intercession and assistance of this very simple and very holy Capuchin
priest would be a truly wise and prudent thing to do. The more we
practice humility, the more God’s grace will be powerfully present and
active within us— and this is what we should desire more than anything
else.
MORE: Father Solanus Casey Is Still Working Miracles
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 19- "On sleep, prayer and psalmody"
6. In chanting with many, it is impossible to pray
with the wordless prayer of the spirit. But your mind should be engaged
in contemplation of the words being chanted or read, or you should say
some definite prayer while you are waiting for the alternate verse to be
chanted.
November 17, 2017
(Rom 12:9-15) Let
love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to
that which is good, Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood:
with honour preventing one another. In carefulness not slothful. In
spirit fervent. Serving the Lord. Rejoicing in hope. Patient in
tribulation. Instant in prayer. Communicating to the necessities of the
saints. Pursuing hospitality. Bless them that persecute you: bless, and
curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice: weep with them that weep.
GALWAY ADVERTISER: A journey in Syria, among its resilient people
ALETEIA: Syria claims victory over ISIS amidst signs of rebuilding and new life
Reuters reported last week that Syria’s army and its allies have fully
liberated the largest remaining stronghold of the Islamic State group.
The news came from Hezbollah-controlled media, but Reuters said it
signals the “imminent fall of the militant group’s self-proclaimed
caliphate.” ISIS’ last Syrian stronghold, the report said, is in the
eastern border town of Albu Kamal.
Victory over the militant jihadist group does not mean an end of difficulties for Syria, of course, as Reuters points out:
In Syria, the end
of major battle operations against Islamic State may only prefigure a
new phase of the war, as the rival forces which have seized territory
from the jihadists square off.
But there have been positive signals from various parts of the
shattered country that a resurrection is beginning. Even before the
latest victory, Metropolitan Jean-Clement Jeanbart, Melkite Greek
Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, wrote in a September 22 pastoral letter
that “the war against Syria is over.”
“Syria is preparing the launching of reconstruction projects to rebuild
its infrastructures and the innumerable institutions which were
destroyed,” wrote Archbishop Jeanbart, who said that “all the sectors
of the city of Aleppo are now secure” and that houses have electricity
and running water. “Our schools are functioning; our universities and
institutes which are still standing have energetically restarted their
activities. The economy is reviving; this will offer numerous
opportunities for those looking for work. And this is only the
beginning as many important projects, financed by other countries and
international companies will now be looking for competent and reliable
workers to be part of their enterprises in order to achieve satisfying
and significant profits.”
The archbishop, who has spent the past six or seven years trying hard
to stem a mass exit of Christians from Aleppo, said at the Knights of
Columbus international convention in August that more than half of the
Christian population had left Aleppo because of the fighting. He
expects only around one-quarter of those to return.
He said in the new letter that in the months to come Syria will need
doctors, teachers, executives, skilled technicians and laborers.
“We have noticed that many industrialists and businessmen have returned
to Aleppo, either to repair their factories or to reestablish their
offices and businesses,” the archbishop said. “In addition, there are
government projects for the construction of affordable accommodation as
well as the rebuilding of schools and public and social institutions.”
Avvenire, an Italian daily, said that Syria is “returning to life”
after six and a half hard years of civil war. Aleppo is no longer a
ghost town, the news outlet affirmed, which described residents
repairing their houses or operating pastry shops and hardware stores.
“We have been financing these activities for more than a year now,”
said Father Ibrahim Alsabagh, a parish priest. A local engineer said
that there have been 900 requests from “Christians who want to return
to the city.” So far, the homes of 90 have been rebuilt.
In Damascus, “water and electricity are back,” Avvenire noted.
“It seemed absurd to think it just a few months ago,” says Franciscan
Father Bahjat Karakach, guardian of the Friary of St. Paul, “and now we
can breathe a sigh of relief.” The market in front of the big mosque is
hard to walk: tourists are not there, but traders welcome all those who
can finally buy a scarf or some coffee. “Tell everyone that here is no
longer so terrible, I recommend.” “Education is the first step in
starting to rebuild Syria,” a Sister Yola, who runs a children’s
shelter next to where tradition holds that St. Paul encountered Christ,
told Avvenire. Many of the 140 children aged 3 to 5 are refugees.
Archbishop Jeanbart encouraged those who have suffered this far to
continue to have patience. “This blessed land has given us a sweet and
comfortable life under the eyes of God; it will be even more favorable
and generous with the end of this senseless and crazy war,” he wrote.
“Our trial is ended; be prepared for a future radiant with promise.”
CRUX: Vatican gravely concerned about Palestinian refugees in Syria
MEDITATION: Thoughts
by St Theophan (1815-1894)
[II Thess. 2:13-3:5; Luke 13:1-9]
Pilate mingled the blood of
Galileans with their sacrifices — the Lord said: except ye repent, ye
shall all likewise perish; the tower of Siloam fell and killed 18
people — the Lord again said: except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish. This gives an understanding that when some misfortune befalls
others, we must not reason about why it happened, but rather look at
ourselves and examine whether there are any sins on us deserving
temporary punishment for the instruction of others, and hasten to wipe
them out with repentance. Repentance cleanses sin and removes the cause
which attracts a catastrophe.
While a person is in sin, an axe is
laid to the root of the tree of his life, ready to cut it down. It does
not cut because it waits for repentance. Repent and the axe will be
taken away, and your life will flow to its end in the natural order of
things; if you do not repent — expect to be cut down. What man can know
whether he will live to the next year? The parable about the fruitless
fig tree shows that the Saviour prays that Divine justice spare each
sinner in the hopes that he will repent and bring forth good fruits.
But it sometimes happens that Divine justice no longer hears the
intercessions, and perhaps He will only agree to allow somebody one
more year to remain alive. How do you know, sinner, that you are not
living your last year, your last month, day and hour?
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 19- "On sleep, prayer and psalmody"
5. It is possible for all to pray with a congregation;
for many it is more suitable to pray with a single kindred spirit; solitary
prayer is for the very few.
November 16, 2017
(Wis 6:10-12) To
you, therefore, O kings, are these my words, that you may learn wisdom,
and not fall from it. For they that have kept just things justly, shall
be justified: and they that have learned these things, shall find what
to answer. Covet ye, therefore, my words, and love them, and you shall
have instruction.
LIFESITENEWS.COM: Cardinal Burke makes ‘final plea’ for clarity to Pope Francis on dubia anniversary
EXCERPT ARCHBISHOP CHAPUT: ‘Amoris Laetitia’ and the nature of mercy
I want to spend my remaining time on the pastoral challenges the text
itself may seem to create; some general comments on the state of our
Church; and how we as priests need to respond as “missionaries of
mercy.” Ground Zero is this: For Christians, sexual intimacy outside a
valid marriage can never be morally legitimate. And it’s the Church
that determines what a valid marriage is.
Scripture’s clearest words about the indissolubility of marriage come
from Jesus himself in Matthew 19. They can’t be softened, or
reinterpreted, or contextualized. Christian marriage is a covenant
between one man and one woman. When valid, it endures until the death
of one or the other spouse. And our task as priests is to uphold and
advance that truth as a message of liberation, even when it’s difficult.
The most widespread concerns voiced about the content of Amoris
Laetitia – in public, but even more urgently and commonly in private —
focus on Chapter 8, including footnote 351. Critics see in the text a
preference for ambiguity over clear teaching and a resentment toward
defenders of traditional Church teaching that seem out of sync with the
rest of the document.
Since at least some of the people raising these issues are persons of
fidelity and substance, their concerns can’t — in justice — be
dismissed. And the resulting confusion is regrettable, because the
whole purpose of Chapter 8 is to provide a merciful outreach to decent
persons entangled in irregular marital situations.
So how should we proceed?
First, as with all papal documents regarding faith and morals, if any
confusion exists in a text, it must be interpreted consistent with the
magisterium of previous popes.
Second, I’ve been a priest for 47 years and a bishop for nearly 30. In
all that time, I’ve met very few priests who like punishing anyone,
kicking anyone out of their parish, or keeping anyone from taking part
in the sacraments. But I’ve met hundreds of priests who worry that
their people, while loving God, don’t really know their faith, don’t
understand the sacraments, don’t catechize their children, and don’t
know what a properly formed Catholic conscience is. Poorly formed,
immature consciences are among the biggest pastoral challenges facing
the Church. This is what makes delegating decisions about the nullity
or validity of a first marriage to the internal forum a matter of real
concern.
The Christian virtue of mercy flows out of charity and depends on the
existence of justice and truth. Romano Guardini argued that mercy is a
greater virtue than justice. And rightly so. But he also stressed that
truth undergirds and is essential to both virtues. In other words, real
mercy is always more than mere sentiment. It can never exclude careful
moral reasoning about right and wrong. It can never be set against, or
elevated above, the other virtues that are key to life-giving human
behavior. Otherwise it becomes just another source of confusion.
Permanent truths exist about human nature, sexuality, behavior and
relationships. Those truths apply to all of us, in all circumstances,
and justice involves living according to those truths.
But of course, all of us fail many times every day. Thus, mercy is
God’s outreach through the Church to offer a way back to grace. It’s a
living expression of his tenderness. But mercy does not abolish God’s
justice any more than it can soften or adjust the demands of truth in
order to be more congenial to our weaknesses, to our culture, or to our
times.
Christian marriage is never simply an “ideal.” Describing it as an
“ideal” tends to open the door to excusing and then normalizing
failure. Clearly many married couples do fail, especially in today’s
world of institutionalized selfishness. They need our understanding and
support, especially in cases of domestic violence.
But if grace is real, and God’s word is true, then the joy of a
permanent marriage is possible for anyone called to the vocation. This
is why better preparation and support for couples considering marriage
are so vital. It’s also why we need to defend the permanence of the
marriage bond wherever and whenever we reasonably can. The permanent,
loving bond between a man and a woman open to new life is the glue of a
culture and the guarantee of its future. We need to fight for it, and
not collapse – like so many other Christian communities — into the
confusion of a society based on compromises, caveats and alibis. That’s
the message we need to preach and teach.
More than 70 years ago the economic historian Karl Polanyi wrote a book
called The Great Transformation. It’s one of the seminal works of the
last century. It chronicles the deep changes that took place during the
Industrial Revolution – not just in economics but in politics, law,
patterns of thought, and all kinds of human relationships. We’re living
in that same kind of moment right now. So much of life can seem out of
our control and beyond our influence. As Joseph Ratzinger saw five
decades ago, the Church of the future will very likely be smaller,
poorer, and empty of prestige – not everywhere, but certainly in the
nations that like to posture themselves “advanced.” We might mitigate
that outcome with smart thinking and good Church leadership. But we
probably can’t prevent it. The reason is simple. We can’t quick-fix
ourselves out of moral and social problems we behaved ourselves into.
And knowing that can easily lead to frustration and despair.
But God doesn’t ask us to save the Church or fix the world. That’s in
his hands. What he asks is much simpler and more important. He asks
each of us as priests to be faithful, and to be his healing presence to
his – and to our – people.
In the midst of confusion, he asks us to speak and live the truth. In
the midst of conflict, he asks us to be peacemakers. In the midst of
distress, he asks us to be sources of hope. The curse of our age is
loneliness; a loneliness wrapped in relentless noise to muffle the
worry that our lives and sufferings have no meaning. No matter how
intractable or unfixable the problems of a marriage or family might be,
the priest who listens and counsels with a spirit of mercy guided by
truth is doing what God called him to do: to be the presence of God’s
love in the world.
There’s no greater mission of mercy than that, and no greater joy in the life of a priest.
CDL. MÜLLER: No Exceptions on Communion for Divorced and Civilly Remarried
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 19- "On sleep, prayer and psalmody"
4. The really obedient man often suddenly becomes
radiant and exultant during prayer; for this wrestler was prepared and
fired beforehand by his sincere service.
November 10, 2017
(Sir
39:8-13) For if it shall please the great Lord, he will fill him with
the spirit of understanding: And he will pour forth the words of his
wisdom as showers, and in his prayer he will confess to the Lord. And
he shall direct his counsel, and his knowledge, and in his secrets
shall he meditate. He shall shew forth the discipline he hath learned,
and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord. Many shall
praise his wisdom, and it shall never be forgotten. The memory of him
shall not depart away, and his name shall be in request from generation
to generation.
CATHOLIC FAITH AND REASON: Leo the Great: The First Pope Doctor of the Church
GET FED: Pope Saint Leo the Great and the Persuader
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY: Medieval Sourcebook: Leo I and Attila
Attila, the leader of the Huns, who was called the scourge of God, came
into Italy, inflamed with fury, after he had laid waste with most
savage frenzy Thrace and Illyricum, Macedonia and Moesia, Achaia and
Greece, Pannonia and Germany. He was utterly cruel in inflicting
torture, greedy in plundering, insolent in abuse. . . . He destroyed
Aquileia from the foundations and razed to the ground those regal
cities, Pavia and Milan ; he laid waste many other towns, and was
rushing down upon Rome. [This is, of course, an exaggeration. Attila
does not seem to have destroyed the buildings, even in Milan and
Pavia.]
Then Leo had compassion on the calamity of Italy and Rome, and with one
of the consuls and a lar,e part of the Roman senate he went to meet
Attila. The old man of harmless simplicity, venerable in his gray hair
and his majestic garb, ready of his own will to give himself entirely
for the defense of his flock, went forth to meet the tyrant who was
destroying all things. He met Attila, it is said, in the neighborhood
of the river Mincio, and he spoke to the grim monarch, saying "The
senate and the people of Rome, once conquerors of the world, now indeed
vanquished, come before thee as suppliants. We pray for mercy and
deliverance. O Attila, thou king of kings, thou couldst have no greater
glory than to see suppliant at thy feet this people before whom once
all peoples and kings lay suppliant. Thou hast subdued, O Attila, the
whole circle of the lands which it was granted to the Romans, victors
over all peoples, to conquer. Now we pray that thou, who hast conquered
others, shouldst conquer thyself The people have felt thy scourge; now
as suppliants they would feel thy mercy."
As Leo said these things Attila stood looking upon his venerable garb
and aspect, silent, as if thinking deeply. And lo, suddenly there were
seen the apostles Peter and Paul, clad like bishops, standing by Leo,
the one on the right hand, the other on the left. They held swords
stretched out over his head, and threatened Attila with death if he did
not obey the pope's command. Wherefore Attila was appeased he who had
raged as one mad. He by Leo's intercession, straightway promised a
lasting peace and withdrew beyond the Danube.
ST PETERS BASILICA: Altar of St. Leo the Great by Alessandro Algardi, 1645-53
The Meeting between St. Leo the Great and Attila is the only altarpiece in St. Peter's consisting of a monumental marble relief.
It depicts the pope repelling Attila and the Huns from attacking Rome.
Attila raises his arm as Sts. Peter and Paul appear in the sky.
UNIVERSALIS: A sermon of St Leo the Great
The special obligations of our ministry
Although the universal Church
of God is constituted of distinct orders of members, still, in spite of
the many parts of its holy body, the Church subsists as an integral
whole, just as the Apostle says: We are all one in Christ. No
difference in office is so great that anyone can be separated, through
lowliness, from the head. In the unity of faith and baptism, therefore,
our community is undivided. There is a common dignity, as the apostle
Peter says in these words: And you are built up as living stones into
spiritual houses, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices
which are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. And again: But you
are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set
apart.
For all, regenerated in Christ, are made kings by the sign of the
cross; they are consecrated priests by the oil of the Holy Spirit, so
that beyond the special service of our ministry as priests, all
spiritual and mature Christians know that they are a royal race and are
sharers in the office of the priesthood. For what is more king-like
than to find yourself ruler over your body after having surrendered
your soul to God? And what is more priestly than to promise the Lord a
pure conscience and to offer him in love unblemished victims on the
altar of one’s heart?
Because, through the grace of God, it is a deed accomplished
universally on behalf of all, it is altogether praiseworthy and in
keeping with a religious attitude for you to rejoice in this our day of
consecration, to consider it a day when we are especially honoured. For
indeed one sacramental priesthood is celebrated throughout the entire
body of the Church. The oil which consecrates us has richer effects in
the higher grades, yet it is not sparingly given in the lower.
Sharing in this office, my dear brethren, we have solid ground for a
common rejoicing; yet there will be more genuine and excellent reason
for joy if you do not dwell on the thought of our unworthiness. It is
more helpful and more suitable to turn your thoughts to study the glory
of the blessed apostle Peter. We should celebrate this day above all in
honour of him. He overflowed with abundant riches from the very source
of all graces, yet though he alone received much, nothing was given
over to him without his sharing it. The Word made flesh lived among us,
and in redeeming the whole human race, Christ gave himself entirely.
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 19- "On sleep, prayer and psalmody"
2. Just as over-drinking is a matter of habit,
so too from habit comes over-sleeping. Therefore we must struggle with
the question of sleep, especially in the early days of obedience, because
a long-standing habit is difficult to cure.
November 8, 2017
(Rev 6:9-11) And
when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of
them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which
they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord
(Holy and True), dost thou not judge and revenge our blood on them that
dwell on the earth? And white robes were given to every one of them
one; And it was said to them that they should rest for a little time
till their fellow servants and their brethren, who are to be slain even
as they, should be filled up.
REVIEW: "We Are Going to Burn You Alive!" Muslim Persecution of Christians, June 2017
AINA: Christians in Egypt Pelted With Rocks in Attack on Town - Four Churches Forced to Shut
ICN: Coptic priest murdered in Cairo - Statement by Bishop Angaelos
Another day in Egypt with another Coptic Christian murdered; this time
a priest from Beni Suef, Upper Egypt, who was in Cairo collecting
humanitarian aid for those most needy in his parish. Fr Samaan was
paying a pastoral visit to a family in Cairo and returned to the church
where he was earlier to collect his mobile phone. On the way, he was
attacked by a knife-wielding assailant who chased him, stabbed him
repeatedly, and then brutally killed him.
This incident makes us once again ask so many questions. Why should a
priest not be able to walk safely down a street, especially a suburban
street in Cairo? Why should he be chased by a man brandishing a deadly
weapon and have no one run to his aid; in actual fact, everyone was
running away. Why, when he lay drenched in his own blood did the
ambulance service not arrive for over an hour, and then not treat him?
Why, when the police finally arrived, and he lay dead, was a crime
scene not secured and forensic evidence not collected to enable a
robust and serious investigation? Why is his assailant immediately
deemed mentally incapable without professional diagnosis, and why, if
he is incapable, and a known violent criminal, is he left in the
community with weapons within his reach?
After the initial shock and the immense sadness, today is a day that
brings anger and I am not apologetic for that anger. I would be just as
angry if this was any other person being dealt with in this way, in any
other part of Egypt or indeed any other part of the world. Yet he is a
Christian, a Coptic Christian, and a Coptic priest, which makes it all
the more close and all the more painful.
Just this week I have been with a Coptic delegation from Cairo seeking
grants to serve not only the Coptic community but the wider Egyptian
community. Grants that would cover health, education and poverty
eradication. Where was this wider Egyptian community however when
Father Samaan ran terrified through a street being chased by a violent
criminal, and where was it when he lay dying and alone? Where was it
when the assailant attacked him repeatedly, and where will it be while
his family and congregation grieve the loss of their father, husband,
brother, pastor and friend? These are questions that need to be
addressed at every level of Egyptian community and leadership.
Crime cannot be totally eradicated, but at least it needs to be
properly investigated, prosecuted, and shown to be a violation against
the whole state and not just its immediate victim.
The immense pain of this incident and all that have preceded it,
including: child kidnapping, forced conversion, individual targeting,
bus attacks and church bombings against the Coptic Orthodox community
in Egypt, leads us to hold more strongly onto the words of our Lord God
in Exodus 3:7: "I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are
in Egypt, and have heard their cry…for I know their sorrows." Coptic
Christians who have endured injustice, persecution, and loss of life
for centuries without retaliation, repeatedly forgiving
unconditionally, deserve to live with respect and dignity in their
indigenous homeland.
While recognising that anger may often open a path to hatred or
resentment, there are times at which it is a natural expression of a
human emotion, and reaction to a sense of deep injustice. I am sure
that I am not alone in my anger, but that it is shared by every
law-abiding person of any belief and indeed of none, who has witnessed
this vicious and inhumane attack. In the midst of this anger and this
sadness however I continue to pray. I pray repose for Father Samaan, I
pray for his family, I pray for his community. I pray for the wider
Egyptian Christian community that feels more and more vulnerable and
targeted daily against a backdrop of negligence and injustice. I pray
for the wider Egyptian society, that becomes more and more discredited
and compromised as these incidents continue to happen.
This anger is not void of forgiveness, but cries out for accountability and justice.
CRISIS MAGAZINE: Islamic Family Values
MORE: Persecuted in Egypt, Christians aim for better life in York
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 19- "On sleep, prayer and psalmody"
1. Sleep is a particular state of nature, an image
of death, inactivity of the senses. Sleep is one, but, like desire, its
sources and occasions are many; that is to say, it comes from nature, from
food, from demons, or perhaps, sometimes, from extreme and prolonged fasting,
through which the flesh is weakened and at last longs for the consolation
of sleep.
November 6, 2017
(1Th 5:19-21) Extinguish not the spirit. Despise not prophecies. But prove all things: hold fast that which is good.
MARK MALLET BLOG: EXCELLENT REVIEW- MEDJUGORJE… WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW
VATICAN INSIDER (translated): Medjugorje, Parolin: "The Holy See wants to regulate the phenomenon"
On the question of Medjugorje, "it is the will of the Holy See to help
regulate the phenomenon so that the faithful who come here can listen
to the Word of God, celebrate the sacraments, and experience an
authentic experience of faith." It is the Vatican Secretary of State,
Pietro Parolin, to intervene on the delicate affaire for years in the
center of studies and investigations by the Vatican.
Visiting these days in Croatia Cardinal answers questions of
journalists to whom - reports on Sir - recalls that the Commission led
results by Cardinal Camillo Ruini and mandated to shed light on the
"phenomenon" of the Marian apparitions, which began in 1981 and not
still interrupted, in the village of Herzegovina that every year
attracts hundreds of thousands of faithful and pilgrims are all "in the
hands of the Holy Father."
There is not only the "supernatural" dimension of the events to be
analyzed, it has also highlighted the cardinal, it is equally important
the question of the "pastoral care" of pilgrims. This is why the Pope
appointed the Polish Archbishop Henryk Hoser as his "special envoy" on
February 11 , not for a supplement of inquiry, but as a Vatican press,
in order to "acquire more in-depth knowledge of the pastoral situation
of that reality and above all the needs of the faithful who come to
pilgrimage. "
Along with the Croatian press, Parolin has come to the merits of
another equally thorny issue, which has remained unanswered so far: the
canonization of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac. The Archbishop of Zagreb is
a figure that, after decades, creates a profound division of Catholic
Catholics who acclaim him as a holy pastor and Orthodox Serbs accusing
him of being a collaborator of the Nazi-fascist regime during the
Second World War.
Regard to the work of Stepinac during those dramatic years was
established a year ago a joint commission between the Croatian Bishops'
Conference and the Serbian Orthodox Church, which has completed its
work, in the Casa Santa Marta, the past 12 to 13 July, under the
leadership of President of the Pontifical Committee for Historical
Sciences, Father Bernard Ardura , who, however, failed to achieve "a
unambiguous interpretation".
However, Parolin says: "I believe that the work of the Commission has
been helpful and that this process has helped to promote dialogue and
understanding." "Wounds that leave historical facts can not be overcome
from today to tomorrow," he added. It is important to keep the
direction to go and work for communion and peace. Interreligious and
ecumenical dialogue is a fundamental tool to achieve this goal. "
The documents produced by the Commission for the "common re-reading" of
Archbishop Stepinac's life and work are, like those of Medjugorje, "in
the hands" of the Pontiff, explained the Secretary of State. And he
reiterated that Papa Bergoglio's "desire" is that this issue does not
create tensions between the two peoples but help the common path. " In
any case, "the question is internal to the Catholic Church and it seems
important to emphasize it."
RELATED
Papal Envoy: Medjugorje Apparitions Could Be Recognized This Year
Is Rome changing course on Medjugorje
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 18- "On insensibility"
4. I have seen many people hear about death and
the terrible judgment and shed tears, and with the tears still in their
eyes they eagerly go to a meal. And I was amazed how this tyrant, this
stinkpot of gluttony, by complete insensibility, can grow so strong as
to turn the tables even on mourning.
November 2, 2017
(2Ti 4:7-8) I
have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the
faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which
the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to
me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me
quickly.
MYSTICS OF THE CHURCH: Amazing stories from Purgatory and the afterlife
CATHOLIC JOURNAL: My Home Is Just On The Other Side by Father Joseph Esper
CERC: All Saints, All Souls by Father George William Rutler
The greatest saints could have been the worst people who ever lived if they had misused their native gifts.
St. Augustine's intellect could have created a convincingly false
religion. St. Louis IX could have used his rank to ruin his kingdom.
St. John of Capistrano could have invoked his charismatic charm to
persuade the Christian soldiers to surrender Western civilization, and
St. Ignatius Loyola could have used his organizational skills to
destroy the Faith in foreign lands.
By the same logic, the worst villains in history could have become
saints if they had used their political power, rhetorical talents, and
energy to spread the Gospel. Herod the Great might have become a
Christmas hero; the faithful might now be lighting candles at the tomb
of Lenin as at a reliquary, and churches might have been dedicated to
saints named Mao Tse-tung and Pol Pot and Adolf Hitler if . . . On that
"if" hangs all human destiny. "If anyone hears my voice and opens the
door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me" (Rev.
3: 20).
The Feast of All Saints celebrates those who opened their doors to
Christ. On All Souls Day the Church prays for those who have offered
their free wills freely to the Lord and who now prepare, with the help
of our suffrages, to enter into his glory. St. Paul said that God
"alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man
has seen or can see" (1 Tim. 6:16). The same saint, who was blinded by
the perceptible light of God in Christ on the Damascus road, later
assured his friend Timothy: "I have competed well; I have finished the
race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness
awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that
day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance"
(2 Tim. 4: 6-8). Last summer I ran a few miles in the Wall Street Race
and at the finish line I received a T-shirt. I was not ungrateful for
it, but Our Lord did not do all he did for us, showing us the face of
God both battered and radiant, crucified and risen, just to give us a
T-shirt.
The crown of righteousness is offered to all those who take off their
masks, for we cannot see God if we are disguised by pride. A culture of
death does not make the transition from All Hallows Eve to All Hallows
Day. St. John never disguised his love for his Master, and he assures
our confused world: "Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall
be has not been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall
be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).
EXCERPT CATHOLIC CULTURE: Praying for the Dead and Gaining Indulgences During November
Indulgenced Acts for the Poor Souls A partial indulgence can be
obtained by devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying for the departed,
even if the prayer is only mental. One can gain a plenary indulgence
visiting a cemetery each day between November 1 and November 8. These
indulgences are applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory.
A plenary indulgence, again applicable only the Souls in Purgatory, is
also granted when the faithful piously visit a church or a public
oratory on November 2. In visiting the church or oratory, it is
required, that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.
A partial indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, can be
obtained when the Eternal Rest (Requiem aeternam) is prayed. This can
be prayed all year, but especially during the month of November:
Requiem aeternam dona ei (eis), Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei (eis). Requiescat (-ant) in pace Amen.
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon
them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace. Amen.
Ladder
of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 18- "On insensibility"
2. Insensibility is negligence that has become
habit, benumbed thought, the child of predispositions, a snare for zeal,
the noose of courage, ignorance of compunction, a door to despair, the
mother of forgetfulness which gives birth to loss of the fear of God. And
then she becomes the daughter of her own daughter.
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