tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149905612024-03-07T19:50:40.977-05:00OUR LADYMary is every womans example of True Humility, she is most Blessed among women through all the ages. Let all Christians strive to follow her example as we read about her in this topic.Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-88028594582056328532017-12-11T21:04:00.000-05:002017-12-11T21:04:28.832-05:00The Mysteries of Guadalupe<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-48087454698406762582017-12-07T19:24:00.000-05:002017-12-07T21:15:22.165-05:00Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Goffine's Devout Instructions)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93zU_3cPw18/WinXHUkrxOI/AAAAAAAAVe0/Y22yJHJo_CQK49r3zbLZkSHqUI6IujSkACLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BImmaculate%2BConception%2Bby%2BGiovanni%2BDomenico%2BTiepolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=""The Immaculate Conception" by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo - PD-1923" border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93zU_3cPw18/WinXHUkrxOI/AAAAAAAAVe0/Y22yJHJo_CQK49r3zbLZkSHqUI6IujSkACLcBGAs/s320/The%2BImmaculate%2BConception%2Bby%2BGiovanni%2BDomenico%2BTiepolo.jpg" title=""The Immaculate Conception" by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo - PD-1923" width="203" /></a></div>
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<blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify">
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "im fell french canon sc";"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>December
8</b></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "im fell french canon sc"; font-size: 12pt;">On
this and the following eight days the Church celebrates, with
particular solemnity, the immaculate conception of the ever-blessed
Virgin Mary, who, from all eternity, was chosen to be the daughter of
the heavenly Father, the spouse of the Holy Ghost, the Mother of the
divine Redeemer, and, by consequence, the queen of angels and of men.
The consideration of these prerogatives convinced the most
enlightened fathers and teachers of the Catholic Church that she was
conceived immaculate, that is, without original sin. It is very
remarkable that among the shining hosts of saints who have, in every
century, adorned the Church no one wrote against this belief, while
we find it confirmed by the decisions of the holy fathers from the
earliest times. Pope Pius IX, forced, as it were, by the faith and
devotion of the faithful throughout the world, finally, on 8 December
1854, sanctioned, as a dogma of faith falling within the infallible
rule of Catholic traditions, this admirable prerogative of the
Blessed Virgin. It is, therefore, now no longer, as fomerly, a pious
belief, but an article of the faith, that Mary, like the purest
morning light which precedes the rising of the most brilliant sun,
was, from the first instant of her conception, free from original
sin.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "im fell french canon sc"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the Introit of the Mass the Church sings: "I will greatly
rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He
hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of
justice He hath covered me, as a bride adorned with her jewels. I
will extol thee, O Lord, for Thou hast upheld me: and hast not made
my enemies to rejoice over me." Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now,
and forever shall be, world without end. Amen.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<i style="color: #94006b; font-family: "IM FELL French Canon SC"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Prayer</b></i></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "im fell french canon sc"; font-size: 12pt;">We
beseech Thee, O Lord, to bestow on Thy servants the gift of heavenly
grace, that, for those to whom the Blessed Virgin's maternity was the
beginning of salvation, the votive solemnity of her immaculate
conception may procure increase of peace. Through Christ our Lord,
etc. Amen.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<b style="font-family: "IM FELL French Canon SC"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #94006b;"><i>Epistle:</i></span>
Proverbs 8:22-35</b></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "im fell french canon sc"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His ways, before He made
anything from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old
before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was
already conceived, neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung
out: the mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been
established: before the hills I was brought forth: He had not yet
made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He
prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and
compass He enclosed the depths: when He established the sky above,
and poised the fountains of waters: when He compassed the sea with
its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass
their limits: when He balanced the foundations of the earth, I was
with Him forming all things; and was delighted every day, playing
before Him at all times; playing in the world, and My delights were
to be with the children of men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear Me:
Blessed are they that keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and
refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth Me, and that watcheth
daily at My gates, and waiteth at the posts of My doors. He that
shall find Me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the
Lord.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<i style="color: #94006b; font-family: "IM FELL French Canon SC"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Explanation</b></i></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "im fell french canon sc"; font-size: 12pt;">This
lesson is, in the literal sense, a eulogy on the divine and uncreated
wisdom, which before all things was in God; through which all things
were made, disposed, and preserved; which rejoices in its works, and
calls upon all its creatures, especially on men, to render to it love
and obedience. Most of what is here said is also to be applied to
Mary, of whom it may with truth be said that, as the holiest and most
admirable of all creatures, she occupies the first place in the heart
of God. Therefore the Church also refers to her those words of the
wise man: "I came out of the mouth of the Most High, the first
born of all creatures."</span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<b style="font-family: "IM FELL French Canon SC"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #94006b;"><i>Gospel:</i></span>
Luke 1:26-28</b></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "im fell french canon sc"; font-size: 12pt;">And
in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of
Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name
was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.
And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace; the
Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
– <span style="font-family: "im fell french canon sc";"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><i>Goffine's
Devout Instructions</i></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-81400661487759644752017-09-14T22:57:00.002-04:002017-09-14T22:57:53.293-04:00Stabat Mater (English and Latin)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCbvPicPML8/WbtBik2ZPWI/AAAAAAAATac/lLGWrrS0vP0jcAGK23kpl8wAkI0IHqA_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Mary%2Bat%2BFoot%2Bof%2BCross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="358" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCbvPicPML8/WbtBik2ZPWI/AAAAAAAATac/lLGWrrS0vP0jcAGK23kpl8wAkI0IHqA_gCLcBGAs/s400/Mary%2Bat%2BFoot%2Bof%2BCross.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>English</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>At the Cross her station keeping,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>stood the mournful Mother weeping,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>close to her Son to the last.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>all His bitter anguish bearing,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>now at length the sword has passed.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>O how sad and sore distressed</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>was that Mother, highly blest,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>of the sole-begotten One.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Christ above in torment hangs,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>she beneath beholds the pangs</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>of her dying glorious Son.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Is there one who would not weep,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>whelmed in miseries so deep,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Christ's dear Mother to behold?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Can the human heart refrain</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>from partaking in her pain,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>in that Mother's pain untold?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>For the sins of His own nation,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>She saw Jesus wracked with torment,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>All with scourges rent:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>She beheld her tender Child,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Saw Him hang in desolation,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Till His spirit forth He sent.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>O thou Mother! fount of love!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Touch my spirit from above,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>make my heart with thine accord:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Make me feel as thou hast felt;</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>make my soul to glow and melt</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>with the love of Christ my Lord.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Holy Mother! pierce me through,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>in my heart each wound renew</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>of my Savior crucified:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Let me share with thee His pain,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>who for all my sins was slain,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>who for me in torments died.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Let me mingle tears with thee,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>mourning Him who mourned for me,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>all the days that I may live:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>By the Cross with thee to stay,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>there with thee to weep and pray,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>is all I ask of thee to give.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Virgin of all virgins blest!,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Listen to my fond request:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>let me share thy grief divine;</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Let me, to my latest breath,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>in my body bear the death</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>of that dying Son of thine.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Wounded with His every wound,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>steep my soul till it hath swooned,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>in His very Blood away;</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>lest in flames I burn and die,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>in His awful Judgment Day.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>be Thy Mother my defense,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>be Thy Cross my victory;</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>While my body here decays,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>may my soul Thy goodness praise,</b></div>
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<b>Safe in Paradise with Thee.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Amen</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Latin</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<b>Stabat mater dolorósa</b></div>
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<b>juxta Crucem lacrimósa,</b></div>
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<b>dum pendébat Fílius.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Cuius ánimam geméntem,</b></div>
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<b>contristátam et doléntem</b></div>
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<b>pertransívit gládius.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>O quam tristis et afflícta</b></div>
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<b>fuit illa benedícta,</b></div>
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<b>mater Unigéniti!</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Quae mœrébat et dolébat,</b></div>
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<b>pia Mater, dum vidébat</b></div>
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<b>nati pœnas ínclyti.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Quis est homo qui non fleret,</b></div>
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<b>matrem Christi si vidéret</b></div>
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<b>in tanto supplício?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Quis non posset contristári</b></div>
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<b>Christi Matrem contemplári</b></div>
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<b>doléntem cum Fílio?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Pro peccátis suæ gentis</b></div>
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<b>vidit Iésum in torméntis,</b></div>
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<b>et flagéllis súbditum.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Vidit suum dulcem Natum</b></div>
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<b>moriéndo desolátum,</b></div>
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<b>dum emísit spíritum.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Eia, Mater, fons amóris</b></div>
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<b>me sentíre vim dolóris</b></div>
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<b>fac, ut tecum lúgeam.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Fac, ut árdeat cor meum</b></div>
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<b>in amándo Christum Deum</b></div>
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<b>ut sibi compláceam.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Sancta Mater, istud agas,</b></div>
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<b>crucifíxi fige plagas</b></div>
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<b>cordi meo válide.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tui Nati vulneráti,</b></div>
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<b>tam dignáti pro me pati,</b></div>
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<b>pœnas mecum dívide.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Fac me tecum pie flere,</b></div>
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<b>crucifíxo condolére,</b></div>
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<b>donec ego víxero.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Juxta Crucem tecum stare,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>et me tibi sociáre</b></div>
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<b>in planctu desídero.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Virgo vírginum præclára,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>mihi iam non sis amára,</b></div>
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<b>fac me tecum plángere.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Fac, ut portem Christi mortem,</b></div>
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<b>passiónis fac consórtem,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>et plagas recólere.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Fac me plagis vulnerári,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>fac me Cruce inebriári,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>et cruóre Fílii.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Flammis ne urar succénsus,</b></div>
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<b>per te, Virgo, sim defénsus</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>in die iudícii.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Christe, cum sit hinc exíre,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>da per Matrem me veníre</b></div>
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<b>ad palmam victóriæ.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Quando corpus moriétur,</b></div>
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<b>fac, ut ánimæ donétur</b></div>
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<b>paradísi glória.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Amen.</b></div>
<br />
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-39249893984985997242017-08-21T20:59:00.000-04:002017-08-21T20:59:04.549-04:00The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7995/1265/1600/queenshipofmary.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7995/1265/400/queenshipofmary.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_11101954_ad-caeli-reginam_en.html"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Ad caeli Reginam</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">Encyclical of Pope Pius XII on proclaiming the Queenship Of Mary, 11 October 1954.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Excerpts from sections 1-40.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From the earliest ages of the Catholic Church a Christian people, whether in time of triumph or more especially in time of crisis, has addressed prayers of petition and hymns of praise and veneration to the Queen of Heaven. And never has that hope wavered which they placed in the Mother of the Divine King, Jesus Christ; nor has that faith ever failed by which we are taught that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, reigns with a mother's solicitude over the entire world, just as she is crowned in heavenly blessedness with the glory of a Queen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From early times Christians have believed, and not without reason, that she of whom was born the Son of the Most High received privileges of grace above all other beings created by God. He "will reign in the house of Jacob forever,"[5] "the Prince of Peace,"[6] the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."[7] And when Christians reflected upon the intimate connection that obtains between a mother and a son, they readily acknowledged the supreme royal dignity of the Mother of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hence it is not surprising that the early writers of the Church called Mary "the Mother of the King" and "the Mother of the Lord," basing their stand on the words of St. Gabriel the archangel, who foretold that the Son of Mary would reign forever,[8] and on the words of Elizabeth who greeted her with reverence and called her "the Mother of my Lord."[9] Thereby they clearly signified that she derived a certain eminence and exalted station from the royal dignity of her Son.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So it is that St. Ephrem, burning with poetic inspiration, represents her as speaking in this way: "Let Heaven sustain me in its embrace, because I am honored above it. For heaven was not Thy mother, but Thou hast made it Thy throne. How much more honorable and venerable than the throne of a king is his mother."[10] And in another place he thus prays to her: ". . . Majestic and Heavenly Maid, Lady, Queen, protect and keep me under your wing lest Satan the sower of destruction glory over me, lest my wicked foe be victorious against me."[11]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She is called by St. John Damascene: "Queen, ruler, and lady,"[23] and also "the Queen of every creature."[24] Another ancient writer of the Eastern Church calls her "favored Queen," "the perpetual Queen beside the King, her son," whose "snow-white brow is crowned with a golden diadem."[25]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As We have already mentioned, Venerable Brothers, according to ancient tradition and the sacred liturgy the main principle on which the royal dignity of Mary rests is without doubt her Divine Motherhood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But the Blessed Virgin Mary should be called Queen, not only because of her Divine Motherhood, but also because God has willed her to have an exceptional role in the work of our eternal salvation. "What more joyful, what sweeter thought can we have"--as Our Predecessor of happy memory, Pius XI wrote --"than that Christ is our King not only by natural right, but also by an acquired right: that which He won by the redemption? Would that all men, now forgetful of how much we cost Our Savior, might recall to mind the words, 'You were redeemed, not with gold or silver which perishes, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb spotless and undefiled.[43] We belong not to ourselves now, since Christ has bought us 'at a great price'."[44]/[45]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, in the accomplishing of this work of redemption, the Blessed Virgin Mary was most closely associated with Christ; and so it is fitting to sing in the sacred liturgy: "Near the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ there stood, sorrowful, the Blessed Mary, Queen of Heaven and Queen of the World."[46] Hence, as the devout disciple of St. Anselm (Eadmer, ed.) wrote in the Middle Ages: "just as . . . God, by making all through His power, is Father and Lord of all, so the blessed Mary, by repairing all through her merits, is Mother and Queen of all; for God is the Lord of all things, because by His command He establishes each of them in its own nature, and Mary is the Queen of all things, because she restores each to its original dignity through the grace which she merited.[47]</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From these considerations, the proof develops on these lines: if Mary, in taking an active part in the work of salvation, was, by God's design, associated with Jesus Christ, the source of salvation itself, in a manner comparable to that in which Eve was associated with Adam, the source of death, so that it may be stated that the work of our salvation was accomplished by a kind of "recapitulation,"[49] in which a virgin was instrumental in the salvation of the human race, just as a virgin had been closely associated with its death; if, moreover, it can likewise be stated that this glorious Lady had been chosen Mother of Christ "in order that she might become a partner in the redemption of the human race";[50] and if, in truth, "it was she who, free of the stain of actual and original sin, and ever most closely bound to her Son, on Golgotha offered that Son to the Eternal Father together with the complete sacrifice of her maternal rights and maternal love, like a new Eve, for all the sons of Adam, stained as they were by his lamentable fall,"[51] then it may be legitimately concluded that as Christ, the new Adam, must be called a King not merely because He is Son of God, but also because He is our Redeemer, so, analogously, the Most Blessed Virgin is queen not only because she is Mother of God, but also because, as the new Eve, she was associated with the new Adam.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Certainly, in the full and strict meaning of the term, only Jesus Christ, the God-Man, is King; but Mary, too, as Mother of the divine Christ, as His associate in the redemption, in his struggle with His enemies and His final victory over them, has a share, though in a limited and analogous way, in His royal dignity. For from her union with Christ she attains a radiant eminence transcending that of any other creature; from her union with Christ she receives the royal right to dispose of the treasures of the Divine Redeemer's Kingdom; from her union with Christ finally is derived the inexhaustible efficacy of her maternal intercession before the Son and His Father.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hence it cannot be doubted that Mary most Holy is far above all other creatures in dignity, and after her Son possesses primacy over all. "You have surpassed every creature," sings St. Sophronius. "What can be more sublime than your joy, O Virgin Mother? What more noble than this grace, which you alone have received from God"?[52] To this St. Germanus adds: "Your honor and dignity surpass the whole of creation; your greatness places you above the angels."[53] And St. John Damascene goes so far as to say: "Limitless is the difference between God's servants and His Mother."[54]</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Encyclical of Venerable Pope Pius XII AD CAELI REGINAM can be read in it's entirety ( in English) on the website of The Holy See by clicking </span><a href="http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_11101954_ad-caeli-reginam_en.html" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">here</a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Notes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Luc. 1, 32.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Isai. IX, 6.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Apoc. XIX, 16.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Cf. Luc. 1, 32, 33.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Luc. 1, 43.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. S. Ephraem, Hymni de B Maria, ed. Th. J. Lamy, t. II, Mechliniae, 1886, hymn. XIX, p. 624.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">11. Idem, Oratio ad Ssmam Dei Matrem; Opera omnia, Ed. Assemani, t. III (graece), Romae, 1747, pag. 546.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">23. S. Ioannes Damascenus, Homilia I in Dormitionem B.M.V. : P.G. XCVI, 719 A.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">24. Id., De fide orthodoxa, I, IV, c. 14: PG XLIV, 1158 B.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">25. De laudibus Mariae (inter opera Venantii Fortunati): PL LXXXVIII, 282 B et 283 A.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">43. I Petr. 1, 18, 19.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">44. I Cor. Vl, 20.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">45. Pius XI, litt. enc. Quas primas: AAS XVII, 1925, p. 599.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">46. Festum septem dolorum B. Mariae Virg., Tractus.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">47. Eadmerus, De excellentia Virginis Mariae, c. 11: PL CLIX, 508 A B.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">49. S. Irenaeus, Adv. haer. , V, 19, 1: PG VII, 1175 B.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">50. Pius XI, epist. Auspicatus profecto: AAS XXV, 1933, p. 80.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">51. Pius XII, litt. enc. Mystici Corporis: AAS XXXV, 1943, p. 247.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">52. S. Sophronius, In annuntianone Beatae Mariae Virginis: PG LXXXVII, 3238 D; 3242 A.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">53. S. Germanus, Hom. II in dormitione Beatae Mariae Virginis: PG XCVIII, 354 B.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">54. S. Ioannes Damascenus, Hom. I in Dormitionem Beatae Mariae Virginis: PG XCVI, 715 A.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-40428512337781544062014-11-20T23:53:00.000-05:002017-11-20T18:15:06.913-05:00Feast of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Goffine's Devout Instructions)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXSshoQ7wsk/VG7Ey7ivEnI/AAAAAAAAPTg/ZUI5tKHObTI/s1600/Presentation%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlessed%2BVirgin%2BMary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXSshoQ7wsk/VG7Ey7ivEnI/AAAAAAAAPTg/ZUI5tKHObTI/s1600/Presentation%2Bof%2Bthe%2BBlessed%2BVirgin%2BMary.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">November 21</span></strong><br />
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THE BLESSED VIRGIN was presented in the temple at Jerusalem by her pious parents, Joachim and Ann, there to be educated in the service and the law of the Lord in order that she might be guarded against the defilements of the world. From this we learn: </div>
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1. Joachim and Ann offered to the Lord their only and most beloved child, and gave her up entirely to His service. Great as the sacrifice was, they yet made it. The preservation of the innocence of their daughter was to them above all else. Parents, God requires of you that you should not merely offer your children to Him in the temple, but that you should take care to keep them pure and holy, as living temples which have been consecrated in Baptism. <br />
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2. Mary gives and dedicates herself to God as soon as she is capable of serving Him, and that without any reservation, for all time, and irrevocably. When, then, shall we give ourselves in earnest to God? True, we have been given to Him in holy Baptism, we have been consecrated as His temples, we have renounced the devil and the world, we have vowed to live only for God, and this vow we have, perhaps, often renewed; but have we kept it? What we gave with one hand, have we not taken it away with the other? Have we not defiled the temple of our hearts by shameful lusts, lived for the world and vanity more than for God? Ah, when shall we give ourselves up to God sincerely and forever? Perhaps when we are old! But will God accept our offering then? Will He be pleased that we begin to serve Him only when we can no longer serve the world? that we first begin to live for Him when our life is soon to cease? No; God is a jealous Lord, and is not pleased with a heart divided between Him and creatures. He requires us to love Him with all our heart and all our soul, and to serve Him with all our powers. Let us, then, do this, and do it from our youth; let us keep ourselves in body and soul undefiled for the Lord; such love, and such love only, will He reward as perfect. </div>
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<strong><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Prayer</span></i></strong><br />
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O God, Who wast pleased that the blessed Mary, ever virgin, the habitation of the Holy Ghost, should on this day be presented in the temple, grant, we beseech Thee, that by her intercession we may deserve to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">Epistle:</span> Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16</strong><br />
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From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling-place I have ministered before Him. And so was I established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God His inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints. </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">Gospel:</span> Luke 11:27, 28</strong><br />
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And it came to pass, as He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd lifting up her voice said to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the paps that gave Thee suck. But He said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it. </div>
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<strong><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Explanation</span></i></strong><br />
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By His answer Jesus would have us understand that His Mother was not to be blessed merely because she bore Him, the Son of God, but rather because she at all times endeavored to keep the word of God in her heart and to observe it in her life. If you would be blessed, learn to be not only a hearer, but a doer, of the word of God. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-- Goffine's Devout Instructions</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-9661814702710799472014-07-15T23:52:00.000-04:002014-07-15T23:54:25.895-04:00Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dT6U4WE5j-A/U8X2pQS1bVI/AAAAAAAAOIg/eSisVPs0-Mo/s1600/Our+Lady+of+Mount+Carmel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dT6U4WE5j-A/U8X2pQS1bVI/AAAAAAAAOIg/eSisVPs0-Mo/s1600/Our+Lady+of+Mount+Carmel.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><b>July
16</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">The
Church celebrates on this day the feast of the Scapular of Mount
Carmel. The scapular, which derives its name from the Latin word
scapulæ, meaning shoulders, is a dress which covers the shoulders.
It is mentioned in the rule of Saint Benedict as worn by monks over
their other dress when they were at work, and it now forms a regular
part of the religious dress in the old Orders. But it is best known
among Catholics as the name of two little pieces of cloth worn out of
devotion to the Blessed Virgin over the shoulders, under the ordinary
garb, and connected by strings. The devotion of the scapular, now
almost universal in the Catholic Church, began with the Carmelites.
The history of its origin is as follows: During the thirteenth
century the Carmelite Order suffered great persecution, and on 16
July 1251, while Saint Simon Stock, then general of the Order, was at
prayer, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, holding in her hand a
scapular. Giving it to the saint, she said,</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
“<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">Receive, my dear son, this
scapular of thy Order, as the distinctive sign of my confraternity,
and the mark of the privilege which I have obtained for thee and the
children of Carmel. It is a sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger,
and a special pledge of peace and protection till the end of time.
Whosoever dies wearing this shall be preserved from eternal flames.”</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">It
is much to be wished that people should everywhere join this
confraternity, for the honor of Mary and for the salvation of souls,
by a life fitted to that end.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">In
order to have a share in the merits of the sodality every member
must:</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">1. Shun sin, and, according to his
state of life, live chastely.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">2. Say every day, if possible, seven
times, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">3. Strive to serve God by venerating
Mary, and imitating her virtues.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">These
rules, it is true, are not binding under penalty of sin, but the
breach of them deprives us of all merit; and is not this something to
be taken into account? “He who sowetb sparingly shall also reap
sparingly.” (II Corinthians 9:6)</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">The
Introit of the Mass is as follows:</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
“<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">Let us all rejoice in the Lord,
and celebrate a festal-day in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on
whose solemn feast the angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of
God. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak of my works for the
King.”</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">Glory
be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in
the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><b>Prayer</b></span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">O
God, Who hast honored the Order of Carmelites with the particular
title of the most blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, mercifully grant
that, protected by her prayers whose commemoration we this day
celebrate with a solemn office, we may deserve to arrive at joy
everlasting. Who livest, and reignest, for ever and ever. Amen.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><b>Epistle:</b>
Ecclesiasticus 24:28-81</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">As
the vine, I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are
the fruit of honor and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of
fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the
way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come
over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. For
my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and
the honeycomb My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that
eat me shall yet hunger; and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He
that hearkeneth to me shall not be confounded; and they that work by
me shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><b>Explanation</b></span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">The
Church applies this epistle to Mary, thereby encouraging us fervently
to honor the blessed Mother of God, in whom the Eternal Wisdom dwelt
bodIly, and through whom He was given to us, that by her intercession
our understanding may be enlightened, our will strengthened, and we
be inspired with fresh zeal to practice ourselves, and to prevail on
others to practice also, whatever is chaste, becoming, and holy.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><b>Gospel:</b>
Luke 11:27, 28</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;">And
it came to pass as He spoke these things, a certain woman from the
crowd lifting up her voice said to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore
Thee, and the paps that gave Thee suck. But He said: Yea rather,
blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
– <span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><i>Goffine’s
Devout Instructions</i></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6905ac; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.mysticmonkcoffee.com/?rfsn=250293.5c45b" target="_blank"><br /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #6905ac; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.mysticmonkcoffee.com/?rfsn=250293.5c45b" target="_blank">Mystic Monk Coffee. Real Coffee, Roasted And Blended By Real Monks. Order Yours Online.</a></b></span></div>
</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-54827829762643954172013-11-20T23:23:00.000-05:002013-11-20T23:23:30.309-05:00Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin (Goffine’s Devout Instructions)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvO7OkSK_8o/Uo2KKMjLu3I/AAAAAAAALKs/U1A7NL7RWrI/s1600/Feast+of+the+Presentation+of+the+Blessed+Virgin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvO7OkSK_8o/Uo2KKMjLu3I/AAAAAAAALKs/U1A7NL7RWrI/s640/Feast+of+the+Presentation+of+the+Blessed+Virgin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>November
21</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Blessed Virgin was presented in the temple at Jerusalem by her pious
parents, Joachim and Ann, there to be educated in the service and the
law of the Lord in order that she might be guarded against the
defilements of the world. From this we learn:</span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Joachim
and Ann offered to the Lord their only and most beloved child, and
gave her up entirely to His service. Great as the sacrifice was,
they yet made it. The preservation of the innocence of their
daughter was to them above all else. Parents, God requires of you
that you should not merely offer your children to Him in the temple,
but that you should take care to keep them pure and holy, as living
temples which have been consecrated in Baptism.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mary
gives and dedicates herself to God as soon as she is capable of
serving Him, and that without any reservation, for all time, and
irrevocably. When, then, shall we give ourselves in earnest to God?
True, we have been given to Him in holy Baptism, we have been
consecrated as His temples, we have renounced the devil and the
world, we have vowed to live only for God, and this vow we have,
perhaps, often renewed; but have we kept it? What we gave with one
hand, have we not taken it away with the other? Have we not defiled
the temple of our hearts by shameful lusts, lived for the world and
vanity more than for God? Ah, when shall we give ourselves up to God
sincerely and forever? Perhaps when we are old! But will God accept
our offering then? Will He be pleased that we begin to serve Him
only when we can no longer serve the world? that we first begin to
live for Him when our life is soon to cease? No; God is a jealous
Lord, and is not pleased with a heart divided between Him and
creatures. He requires us to love Him with all our heart and all our
soul, and to serve Him with all our powers. Let us, then, do this,
and do it from our youth; let us keep ourselves in body and soul
undefiled for the Lord; such love, and such love only, will He
reward as perfect.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Prayer</i></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">O
God, Who wast pleased that the blessed Mary, ever virgin, the
habitation of the Holy Ghost, should on this day be presented in the
temple, grant, we beseech Thee, that by her intercession we may
deserve to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through Our Lord
Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Epistle:</i></span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16</span></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From
the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the
world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling-place
I have ministered before Him. And so was I established in Sion, and
in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem.
And I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God
His inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Gospel:</i></span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Luke 11:27, 28</span></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
it came to pass, as He spoke these things, a certain woman from the
crowd lifting up her voice said to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore
Thee, and the paps that gave Thee suck. But He said: Yea rather,
blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Explanation</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By
His answer Jesus would have us understand that His Mother was not to
be blessed merely because she bore Him, the Son of God, but rather
because she at all times endeavored to keep the word of God in her
heart and to observe it in her life. If you would be blessed, learn
to be not only a hearer, but a doer, of the word of God.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="widows: 2;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="widows: 1;">
<span style="color: black;">–
<span style="font-family: APHont, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><i>Goffine’s
Devout Instructions</i></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #6905ac; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="http://www.mysticmonkcoffee.com/?rfsn=250293.5c45b" target="_blank"><br /></a></b></span></div>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-86670672328248825962013-10-06T22:38:00.000-04:002017-10-06T19:30:22.290-04:00Feast of the Holy Rosary (Our Lady of the Rosary) from Goffine's Devout Instructions<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>First Sunday in October (Now October 7*)</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MA_TloDb7TQ/WdgPyO7lWPI/AAAAAAAAUWA/MeGwCOca4a4ZOLeg_uoa_w0dXWn987l-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Our%2BLady%2Bof%2Bthe%2BHoly%2BRosary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PD-1923" border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MA_TloDb7TQ/WdgPyO7lWPI/AAAAAAAAUWA/MeGwCOca4a4ZOLeg_uoa_w0dXWn987l-gCLcBGAs/s320/Our%2BLady%2Bof%2Bthe%2BHoly%2BRosary.JPG" title="PD-1923" width="253" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This feast was fixed
for the first Sunday in October by Pope Clement XI, in perpetual
commemoration of a celebrated double victory gained by the Christians
at Lepanto, in 1571, under Pope Saint Pius V, and at Belgrade, under
Pope Clement XI, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, who had
been invoked by saying the Holy Rosary. It is at the same time the
principal feast of the Arch-confraternity of the Holy Rosary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In 1885 Pope Leo
XIII, ordered the Rosary to be recited every day duriug the month of
October in every parish church and cathedral throughout the world,
and those of the faithful who cannot be present at this recital he
exhorted to say it with their families or in private.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Holy Rosary is a
form of prayer in which there is first said the Apostles’ Creed,
and then fifteen decades, each one of which consists of ten Hail
Marys. Each decade has one Our Father to be said before it, and is
followed by a meditation upon some one mystery of our redemption. It
is called the Rosary, or Wreath of Roses, because the joyful, the
sorrowful, and the glorious mysteries, aptly symbolized by the
leaves, the thorns, the flower, of which the rose consists – with
the prayers and praises that are blended together – compose, as it
were, a wreath or crown. It is also called the Psalter, because it
contains a hundred and fifty Hail Marys, as the Psalter of David
contains a hundred and fifty psalms, and because it is used in place
of the singing of psalms, as practised in former times.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">There are three parts
in the Rosary – the joyful, the sorrowful, the glorious.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The joyful part
consists of the five first decades, to which are attached five
mysteries of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, through which, full of
joy, we speak to Mary of Him:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whom she conceived while a virgin.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whom she bore to Elizabeth.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whom she brought forth while a virgin.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whom she offered to God in the temple.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whom she found in the temple.</span><br />
</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">(This is said particularly in Advent.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The sorrowful part,
in like manner, contains five decades, in connection with which there
are presented for our meditation five mysteries of the passion and
death of Jesus:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who for us sweat blood.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who for us was scourged.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who for us was crowned with thorns.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who for us bore the heavy cross.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who for us was crucified.</span><br />
</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">(This is said particluarly in Lent.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The glorious part,
consisting of the last five decades, reminds us of the glory of
Christ and of the Blessed Virgin by five mysteries in which we
commemorate Him:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who rose from the dead.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who ascended into heaven.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who sent to us the Holy Ghost.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who received thee, O Virgin, into heaven.</span><br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Who crowned thee, O Virgin, in heaven.</span><br />
</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">(This part is said particularly at Eastertide.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;"><i><b>How was this prayer introduced into the Church?</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
</span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Saint Dominic had for
many years preached against the errors of the Albigenses and other
heretics, with such zeal and profound ability that they were often
convinced. But nevertheless the results were unimportant; but few
returned to the bosom of the Catholic Church. In this discouraging
state of things Saint Dominic redoubled his prayers and works of
penance, and in particular besought Mary for support and assistance.
One day Mary appeared to him and taught him the Rosary. He zealously
labored to introduce everywhere this manner of prayer, and from that
time preached with such success that in a short period more than one
hundred thousand heretics and sinners were converted. The divine
origin of the Rosary is testified to by the bull of Gregory XIII of
the year 1577.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Is the Rosary a profitable method of prayer?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
</span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Yes; for by bringing
before the eyes of the spirit the fundamental mysteries of
Christianity it supplies us with the strongest motives to love God,
to hate sin, to subdue the passions, to contemn the world and its
vanity, and to strive after Christian perfection, in order that we
may gain those happy mansions which Jesus prepares for us. The
Rosary, besides, brings before us living examples – Jesus and Mary
– whom we must follow; and encourages us to good works by pointing
to the all-powerful grace procured for us by Jesus, and the
all-prevailing intercession of the gracious Mother of God. Let us not
be ashamed to carry the beads with us, for otherwise we might be
ashamed of being Catholics; let us say the Rosary often – every
evening – as was the custom with Catholics in former times, and we
shall find that, as in Saint Dominic’s day it was a wholesome check
to error, so too In our times it will be, if said aright, a powerful
weapon against heresy and unbelief, and will increase faith, piety,
and virtue.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i><b>How should we say the Rosary?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">1. Properly; that is, as has been above described,
and slowly, with a distinct pronunciation of the prayers and
mysteries.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">2. Devoutly, not only with the lips, but also with
the heart.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">More particularly we
ought to meditate upon the mysteries that come before us; thus, at
the joyful mysteries we should think of the infinite love of God to
men and on His humiliation for us, thanking Him, and promising our
love to Him in return; at the sorrowful mysteries we should have
compassion on the Saviour suffering for us, should from the heart
detest the sins which were the cause of His sufferings, and make the
most earnest resolutions for the future; at the glorious mysteries we
should remember the glory which awaits us also if we follow Jesus and
Mary.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Prayer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span>
</span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">O God, Whose
only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, procured for
us the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that,
commemorating these mysteries in the most holy Rosary of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and possess what they
promise. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, etc.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Epistle:</span></b></i> Proverbs 8:22-35</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Lord possessed Me
in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything from the
beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth
was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived,
neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out: the mountains
with their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the
hills I was brought forth: He had not yet made the earth, nor the
rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I
was present: when with a certain law and compass He enclosed the
depths: when He established the sky above, and poised the fountains
of waters: when He compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law
to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when He
balanced the foundations of the earth, I was with Him forming all
things; and was delighted every day, playing before Him at all times;
playing in the world, and My delights were to be with the children of
men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear Me: Blessed are they that keep
My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is
the man that heareth Me, and that watcheth daily at My gates, and
waiteth at the posts of My doors. He that shall find Me shall find
life, and shall have salvation from the Lord.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Gospel:</span></b></i> Luke 1:26-38</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At that time the
angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called
Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the
house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel being
come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace: the Lord is with thee:
blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his
saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this
should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast
found grace with God. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and
shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS. He shall
be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord
God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father; and He shall
reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall
be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done,
because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The
Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall
overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of
thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth,
she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth
month with her that is called barren; because no word shall be
impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
be it done to me according to thy word.</span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="page-break-inside: avoid; widows: 1;">
<span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>--
Goffine’s Devout Instruction</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="page-break-inside: avoid; widows: 1;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b0080;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">*
</span></span></span></span>Pope Pius X changed
the date to 7 October in 1913, as part of his effort to restore
celebration of the liturgy of the Sundays. </span> </div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LI-D9yIEy8/UlIeNsYijHI/AAAAAAAAKmM/FAkFh8bnoAA/s1600/Mary+and+Child+Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LI-D9yIEy8/UlIeNsYijHI/AAAAAAAAKmM/FAkFh8bnoAA/s320/Mary+and+Child+Jesus.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="widows: 8;">
<br /></div>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-59164195571167967812013-05-30T21:53:00.001-04:002014-05-30T21:22:54.504-04:00Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (From Goffine's Devout Instruction)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiXXzCpGOaRnoyzEkqETcNcEyLgpfaSJEXCu0aoSEOvJw9Vvjek6s7fKt1Dbdxv6sCiFIHhEcrMoVecZGoFW14IalDtGn15uopZPq7UXUifwlf0RjyFCLmbMeDhi6zS5hMcvh/s1600/The+Visitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiXXzCpGOaRnoyzEkqETcNcEyLgpfaSJEXCu0aoSEOvJw9Vvjek6s7fKt1Dbdxv6sCiFIHhEcrMoVecZGoFW14IalDtGn15uopZPq7UXUifwlf0RjyFCLmbMeDhi6zS5hMcvh/s400/The+Visitation.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">May 31</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This day is called the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary because on it Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, whom, as the angel had told her, God had blessed with a son in her old age.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
In the Introit of the Mass the Church sings:<br />
<br />
"Hail, holy parent, who didst bring trth the King Who rules heaven and earth forever. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak of my works for the King."<br />
<br />
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech Thee, unto us Thy servants the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that, as in the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin our salvation began, so from the votive solemnity of her visitation we may obtain an increase of peace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Epistle: Canticle 2:8-14</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Behold he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping over the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart; behold he standeth behind our wall, looking through the windows, looking through the lattices. Behold my beloved speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, my love, my dove, my beautiful one, and come. For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in our land, the tune of pruning is come; the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig-tree hath put forth her green figs; the vines in flower yield their sweet smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come; my dove in the clifts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall, show me thy face, let thy voice sound in my ears; for thy. voice is sweet, and thy face comely.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Gospel: Luke 1:39-47</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At that time: Mary rising up went unto the hill-country with haste, into a city of Juda; and she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. And Mary saId: My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. As soon as Mary heard that Elizabeth was with child she hastened to her. The alacrity of the Blessed Virgin teaches us that we should take part with gladness in the happiness of our fellow-men, and quickly make ourselves ready to discharge our duties, sacrificing for that object, if necessary, even our own much-loved retirement, our devotions and other exercises of piety.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Mary visited her cousin out of real love, not out of unmeaning ceremony. Would that her example were followed in our visits!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. By the visit of the Blessed Virgin John was sanctified in his mother's womb, and Elizabeth, enlightened by the Holy Ghost, knew, by the miraculous movements of her child, that Mary was the Mother of the Lord. Such effects did this visit produce. What would Jesus effect in us if we received Him with due preparation!</div>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Explanation of the Canticle "Magnificat," Or "My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord"</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In this hymn Mary with joy praises God, the Lord, that He has regarded her humility, aud made her to be the Mother of His only-begotten Son, wherefore she should be called blessed by all generations; and she declares the truths and mysteries which the incarnation brought to light. The mercy of God, namely, reaches from generation to generation to them that fear Him. He scatters the thoughts of the proud, and puts down from their seats the mighty; but He exalts the humble. He fills those who hunger for justice with good things, but those who think themselves rich He sends away empty. He receives all true Israelites, and performs in them the promises which He gave to the fathers. This hymn is repeated by the Church every day at Vespers, in praise of the work of redemption, begun by the incarnation of the Son of God in Mary. Would that every Christian, since he becomes one only by Christ being, as it were, born in him, might share those feelings which the Blessed Virgin and Mother has expressed in this hymn of praise, and, with the Church, daily praise God for the mystery of the incarnation!</div>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Aspiration</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who didst descend from the highest heavens io the womb of the Virgin Mary, didst therein rest for rune months, and with her didst condescend to visit and sanctify Saint John, grant that we, by the practice of good works, particularly of humility, may become partakers of the fruits of Thy incarnation.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">--Goffine's Devout Instructions</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-25824586072445289702013-04-07T20:39:00.001-04:002013-04-07T20:39:55.375-04:00Feast of the Annuciation of the Lord (From Goffine's Devout Instructions)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WXOYd6VOvvg/TYrElnVq4SI/AAAAAAAACjE/vwoXjBfZKVg/s1600/annunciation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WXOYd6VOvvg/TYrElnVq4SI/AAAAAAAACjE/vwoXjBfZKVg/s400/annunciation.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>April 8</b><br />
<br />
This feast is so called from the announcement to the Blessed Virgin, by the archangel Gabriel, that she was to be the mother of the Messias. In the Introit of the Mass the Church refers to this high dignity of Mary's: "All the rich shall entreat thy countenance; after her shall virgins be brought to the King; her neighbors shall be brought to thee in gladness and rejoicing. My heart hath uttered a good word, I speak my works to the King." <br />
<br />
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. <br />
<br />
<b>Prayer</b> <br />
<br />
O God, Who didst please that Thy Word should take flesh, at the message of an angel, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant to Thy suppliants that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be blessed by her intercession with Thee. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. <br />
<br />
<b>Epistle: Isaias 7:10-15</b> <br />
<br />
In those days the Lord spoke to Achaz, saying: Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above. And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. And he said: Hear ye therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that He may know to refuse the evil and to choose the good. <br />
<br />
<b>Instruction on the "</b><i><b>Angelic Salutation</b></i><b>" or "</b><i><b>Hail Mary</b></i><b>"</b> <br />
<dl>
<dl>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">Why is this prayer called the "<i>Hail Mary</i>" or "<i>Angelic Salutation</i>"? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">Because it begins with the words which the archangel Gabriel addressed to the Blessed Virgin when he announced to her that she should be the Mother of God. </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> Of what does the Angelic Salutation consist? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">1. Of the words of the archangel Gabriel. 2. Of the words of Saint Elizabeth. 3. Of words which have been added thereto by the Catholic Church. </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> Which are the words of the archangel Gabriel? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">"Hail [Mary], full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women." </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> What is the meaning of these words? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">The words "Hail Mary" indicate that profound veneration for the Blessed Virgin which was felt by the archangel Gabriel, and which we, in imitation of his example, ought also to cherish. The words "full of grace" remind us that God bestowed upon the Blessed Virgin greater graces than upon all men and angels together, and that not for herself alone, but for us also; they therefore encourage us to pray to Mary with fervor and confidence, that by her powerful intercession she will obtain for us the graces necessary for our salvation. "The Lord is with thee" - these words express the peculiar complacency with which God has regarded her, on account of which He wrought in her special miracles of wisdom, omnipotence, and benignity. Let us rejoice with Mary over these prerogatives, and implore her to intercede for us, that God may be with us also, to sustain us by His almightiness, to govern us by His wisdom, to incite us to all that is good by the fire of His infinite love. Finally, the words "Blessed art thou among women" are as much as to say: Thou art the happiest of all women, since thou alone of them all hast no stain of sin on thee; thou art chosen to be the Mother of God; thou shalt conceive Him by the Holy Ghost, and shalt bring Him forth without losing thy virginity. Thus it was that the angel saluted the most blessed Virgin, and yet there are men who are ashamed thus to salute Mary, and to give praise for the graces which God conferred upon her. </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> Which are the words of Elizabeth, and what do they mean? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">"And blessed is the fruit of thy womb" - the word <i>blessed</i> is equivalent to praised. In saying these words, therefore, we desire that the fruit of Mary's womb, Jesus, may be worshipped and praised by all men. </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> Which are the words which the Catholic Church has added? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">To the words "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb" she has added "Jesus," in order thereby to explain them, and to indicate that this prayer is to be offered in the name of Jesus. Thereupon follow the words, "Holy Mary, Mother of G6d" pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen." </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> What do these words mean? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">With the words, "Holy Mary," we apply to her who is full of grace as our intercessor, and thereby are reminded to strive to imitate her holiness, if we would be sure of her intercession, and of being heard before God. We call her" Mother of God," because she brought forth Jesus, the Son-of God. Thereby we at the same time remind her that she is our mother also, and pray her to care for us as a mother j not as though we believed she could of herself help us, but with the design that she should offer to God her all-prevailing prayers for us j hence we sa.y, " Pray for us,;' adding, "sinners." By these words we remind Mary of our misery, al!d ourselves of our powerlessness for good, and of our guilti~ess in the sight of God, praying her to procure for us the grace of God to do true penance, to acquire virtues, and to gain true peace, and that" now," inasmuch as at every moment, and throughout our whole life, we have so many dangers to meet, so many virtues to gain; "and at the hour of our death," that we may overcome the temptations of the last de cisive hour, and stand complete victors before the throne of th~ etewal Judge. "Amen," so may it be, is, as it were, to repeat and make stronger the whole prayer. </dd></dl>
</dl>
<blockquote>
<b>Gospel: Luke 1:26-38</b> <br />
<br />
At that time the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace: the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father; and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren; because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word. <br />
<br />
<b>Salutation to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary</b> <br />
<br />
Hail, Mary, full of grace! I rejoice, and give joy to thee, that thou hast been chosen the Mother of the Most High, and the queen of heaven and earth. With thee is the Father Who begot, from all eternity, Him Whom thou didst bring forth as God-man in time; with thee is the Son, Whom thou didst bear, in thy virginal womb; with thee is the Holy Ghost, overshadowed by Whose power thou didst become the Mother of the Redeemer of the world. Praised, therefore, be thou, thou blessed among women; thou daughter of the Most High; thou bride of the Holy Ghost; thou joy of heaven; thou ornament of the Church of God; thou honor of Christians. Oh, pray God for us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. </blockquote>
<blockquote style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote>
<i>--Goffine's Devout Instructions</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-56186356742735004072013-03-18T23:13:00.000-04:002013-03-18T23:13:38.708-04:00Feast of Saint Joseph (Goffine's Devout Instructions)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFbKanwhskm6qoEs1FOdtzcewdm7cM5bLFCh59kvjqfEH4-Ld897QOBpfPau7B92kZLXdqgHTPYFsYL5I7i3nyLSoLVn_CCb1Bc-j9S38zz5milu2IQaV8EQ9SkqDMNKXUmRh/s1600-h/feast-of-holy-family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFbKanwhskm6qoEs1FOdtzcewdm7cM5bLFCh59kvjqfEH4-Ld897QOBpfPau7B92kZLXdqgHTPYFsYL5I7i3nyLSoLVn_CCb1Bc-j9S38zz5milu2IQaV8EQ9SkqDMNKXUmRh/s320/feast-of-holy-family.jpg" /></a></div>
<h1 class="western">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> March 19</b></span></h1>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
SAINT JOSEPH was descended from the kingly line of David, and was a kinsman of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Matthew 1:1-16) The Gospel gives him the praise of being just (Matthew 1:19), that is, a man distinguished for all virtues. And surely, as he was chosen from all other men by God to be the foster-father of His Son, he undoubtedly excelled, in virtues and sanctity, all saints then living. Of his youth nothing certain is known to us, and of his later life we know only what the Gospel relates. He was a carpenter (Matthew 13:55), and lived at Nazareth, in Galilee (Luke 2:4). Being espoused to Mary, he was inclined, upon learning that she was with child, to put her away privately, not wishing to expose her to public reproach; but being instructed by an angel, he took her to himself, in obedience to the command of God, went with her to Bethlehem, and afterwards, with Mary and the new-born child, fled, without timidity, to Egypt. (Matthew 2:13) At the command of the angel he returned thence, and again dwelt in Nazareth (Matthew 2:23). From this place they went every year to the feast at Jerusalem, where it happened that Jesus, then twelve years old, remained behind them in the temple, and was anxiously sought for by them. More than this is not told us. At the time of the marriage at Cana it would seem that he was no longer living, since there is no mention made of him. Though little is said of him, that little is rich in profitable instruction. How worthy to be admired and imitated is his example, his chastity, his tenderness towards Mary, his forbearing to pronounce a judgment in regard to her condition when he could not explain it, his quick and unreserved obedience towards God and the commands of authority, his love for Jesus, and his care for both the mother and the child. On account of his sanctity God has specially distinguished him by miracles, and the Church honors him in a particular manner. In the Litany of the Saints he is named among the patriarchs, and the feast of his patronage is celebrated on the third Sunday after Easter. Venerate, therefore, Saint Joseph; choose him for your protector in life and in death, and make yourself worthy of his protection by following his example. <br />
<br />
The Introit of the Mass is as follows: </blockquote>
<blockquote style="margin-left: 0.79in; margin-right: 0.79in;">
"The just shall flourish like the palm-tree; he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus, planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. It is good to give praise to the Lord, and to sing to Thy name, O Most High." </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. <br />
<br />
<b>Prayer</b> <br />
<br />
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be assisted by the merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that what of ourselves we are unable to obtain may be given to us by his intercession. Who livest and reignest with You and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever, Amen. <br />
<br />
<b>Epistle: Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6</b> <br />
<br />
He was beloved of God and men: whose memory is in benediction. He made him 1ike the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies, and with his words he made prodigies to cease. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of his people, and showed him His glory. He sanctified him in his faith and meekness, and chose him out of all flesh. For He heard him, and his voice, and brought him into a cloud. And He gave him commandments before his face, and a law of life and instruction. <br />
<br />
<b>Gospel: Matthew 1:18-21</b> <br />
<br />
When Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put per away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost; and she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. <br />
<br />
<b>Instruction</b> <br />
<br />
To encourage us to veneration for Saint Joseph, Saint Teresa wrote: </blockquote>
<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.79in; margin-right: 0.79in;">
"I do not remember to have asked Saint Joseph for anything which he did not grant me. The great favors which God has granted me through him, and the many dangers of soul and body from which he has freed me, truly deserve admiration. It seems that God has granted to other saints the grace of assisting, in particular needs, those who invoke their intercession; but this glorious saint assists in all needs. The Lord seems thereby to indicate that, as He was subject to Joseph on earth, so now He grants him whatever he asks for. The same thing has been experienced by persons whom I have advised to recommend themselves to him." </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote style="margin-left: 0.79in; margin-right: 0.79in;">
"I would gladly advise everyone," says Saint Alphonsus, "to have a great devotion towards this saint, since I have experienced what graces he can obtain from God. For several years I have asked him, on his feast, for some par ticular grace, and every time my petition has been granted. As we all have to die, we should have a particular devotion towards Saint Joseph, that he may obtain for us a happy death; for all Catholic Christians consider him to be an intercessor for the dying, and that he assists, at the hour of death, those who venerate him; and this for three reasons: </blockquote>
<ol>
<li>Because Jesus loves him, not only as a friend, but as a father, on which account his intercession is more powerful than that of any other saint. </li>
<li>Because Saint Joseph obtained special power against the evil spirits who tempt us at the hour of death. </li>
<li>The assistance which Jesus and Mary gave to Joseph at the hour of his own death procured for him the right to obtain a holy and easy death for his dependants. If in their dying hour they invoke his aid, not only will he assist them, but he will obtain for them the assistance of Jesus and Mary." </li>
</ol>
<blockquote style="margin-left: 0.79in; margin-right: 0.79in;">
Ought not these words of a great saint encourage you to venerate Saint Joseph every day? Should not the hope of dying one day under the protection of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, move you to devotion to the foster-father of Jesus? <br />
<br />
<b>Prayer to Saint Joseph</b> <br />
<br />
O most chaste Joseph, who, by thy purity and other exalted virtues, wast worthy to be chosen for the spouse of Mary and the foster-father of Jesus, I beseech thee, by the great graces of which thou wast made partaker, that thou wouldst, by thy intercession, obtain for all parents grace to rear their children piously; for all married persons who are distressed and afflicted through poverty and tribulations consolation and encouragement; for all unmarried persons who have devoted tbeir chastity to God the grace of perseverance; and, finally, for all the dyjng the grace to come, after a happy death, to thy foster- child, Jesus Christ, Who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen. </blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Goffine's Devout Instructions</span></i></blockquote>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-81500478220785954002012-12-06T18:57:00.001-05:002014-12-07T23:22:29.973-05:00Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (From Goffine's Devout Instructions)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeB84Jv8ypw/SxyJ8EpYthI/AAAAAAAAAUM/rgQuwl2ZIm0/s1600-h/Immaculate+Conception.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_eeB84Jv8ypw/SxyJ8EpYthI/AAAAAAAAAUM/rgQuwl2ZIm0/s400/Immaculate+Conception.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412352517324977682" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 337px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>December
8</b></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">On
this and the following eight days the Church celebrates, with
particular solemnity, the immaculate conception of the ever-blessed
Virgin Mary, who, from all eternity, was chosen to be the daughter of
the heavenly Father, the spouse of the Holy Ghost, the Mother of the
divine Redeemer, and, by consequence, the queen of angels and of men.
The consideration of these prerogatives convinced the most
enlightened fathers and teachers of the Catholic Church that she was
conceived immaculate, that is, without original sin. It is very
remarkable that among the shining hosts of saints who have, in every
century, adorned the Church no one wrote against this belief, while
we find it confirmed by the decisions of the holy fathers from the
earliest times. Pope Pius IX, forced, as it were, by the faith and
devotion of the faithful throughout the world, finally, on 8 December
1854, sanctioned, as a dogma of faith falling within the infallible
rule of Catholic traditions, this admirable prerogative of the
Blessed Virgin. It is, therefore, now no longer, as fomerly, a pious
belief, but an article of the faith, that Mary, like the purest
morning light which precedes the rising of the most brilliant sun,
was, from the first instant of her conception, free from original
sin.</span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In
the Introit of the Mass the Church sings: "I will greatly
rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He
hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of
justice He hath covered me, as a bride adorned with her jewels. I
will extol thee, O Lord, for Thou hast upheld me: and hast not made
my enemies to rejoice over me." Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now,
and forever shall be, world without end. Amen.</span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #94006b;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Prayer</b></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We
beseech Thee, O Lord, to bestow on Thy servants the gift of heavenly
grace, that, for those to whom the Blessed Virgin's maternity was the
beginning of salvation, the votive solemnity of her immaculate
conception may procure increase of peace. Through Christ our Lord,
etc. Amen.</span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b><span style="color: #94006b;">Epistle:</span>
Proverbs 8:22-35</b></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The
Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His ways, before He made
anything from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old
before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was
already conceived, neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung
out: the mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been
established: before the hills I was brought forth: He had not yet
made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He
prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and
compass He enclosed the depths: when He established the sky above,
and poised the fountains of waters: when He compassed the sea with
its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass
their limits: when He balanced the foundations of the earth, I was
with Him forming all things; and was delighted every day, playing
before Him at all times; playing in the world, and My delights were
to be with the children of men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear Me:
Blessed are they that keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and
refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth Me, and that watcheth
daily at My gates, and waiteth at the posts of My doors. He that
shall find Me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the
Lord.</span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #94006b;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Explanation</b></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This
lesson is, in the literal sense, a eulogy on the divine and uncreated
wisdom, which before all things was in God; through which all things
were made, disposed, and preserved; which rejoices in its works, and
calls upon all its creatures, especially on men, to render to it love
and obedience. Most of what is here said is also to be applied to
Mary, of whom it may with truth be said that, as the holiest and most
admirable of all creatures, she occupies the first place in the heart
of God. Therefore the Church also refers to her those words of the
wise man: "I came out of the mouth of the Most High, the first
born of all creatures."</span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b><span style="color: #94006b;">Gospel:</span>
Luke 1:26-28</b></span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And
in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of
Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name
was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.
And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace; the
Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.</span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>--Goffine's
Devout Instructions</i></span></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</blockquote>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-91171224567489643292012-09-08T00:07:00.002-04:002012-09-08T00:07:41.297-04:00Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (From Goffine's Devout Instructions)<style type="text/css">
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<blockquote>
<b>September 8</b> <br />
<br />
This feast is a commemoration of that happy and joyful day on whIch the ever-blessed vIrgin Mother of God first saw the light of day. The Church accordingly sings on this day, </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"Thy nativity, virgin Mother of God, has brought joy to the whole world; for from thee has come forth the Sun of justice, Christ the Lord, Who putting away cursing bestowed blessing, and by overcoming death obtained for us life eternal." </blockquote>
In the Introit of the Mass the Church sings: <br />
<blockquote>
"Hail, holy parent, who as a happy mother brought forth the King Who rules heaven and earth from eternity to eternity. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my works to the King." </blockquote>
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. <br />
<br />
<b>Prayer</b> <br />
<br />
Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech Thee, unto us Thy servants the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that, as in the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin our salvation began, so from the votive solemnity of her nativity we may obtain an increase of peace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. <br />
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
<b>Epistle: Proverbs 8:22-35</b> <br />
<br />
The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived, neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out: the mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the hills I was brought forth: He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and compass He enclosed the depths: when He established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters: when He compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when He balanced the foundations of the earth, I was with Him forming all things; and was delighted every day, playing before Him at all times; playing in the world, and My delights were to be with the children of men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear Me: Blessed are they that keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth Me, and that watcheth daily at My gates, and waiteth at the posts of My doors. He that shall find Me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord. <br />
<br />
<b>Gospel: Matthew 1:1-18</b> <br />
<br />
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob, begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Nasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Unag. And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abias. And Abias begot Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. <br />
<br />
Let us honor Mary, especially by imitation of those virtues of hers which are to us, as Saint John Damascene says, an open book of instruction; let us rejoice in her prerogatives and glory; let us encourage others in the veneration of her; let us, in our need, have recourse to her, who, according to the name Star of the Sea with which the Church salutes her, shines for all who sail upon the dangerous sea of the world. For this reason Saint Bernard calls out to each one of us, </div>
<blockquote>
"Take not your eyes from the light of this star if you would not be overwhelmed by the waves; if the storms of temptation arise, if you are thrown upon the rocks of affliction, look to the star, invoke Mary. Are you confounded at the enormity of your sins, are you ashamed at the defilement of your conscience, are you terrified on account of the dreadful judgment, so that you begin to be overpowered by sadness, or even to sink into the abyss of despair, then turn your thoughts to Mary. In dangers, in distress, in doubt, call on Mary. She will not be far from your mouth, or your heart; and that you may obtain her intercession omit not to imitate her conduct. When you follow her, you will not go astray; when you invoke her, you will no longer be in doubt; when she supports yon, yon will not fall; when she leads you, you will surely come to eternal life, and will find by your own experience that she is justly called Maria - that is, Star of the Sea." </blockquote>
<blockquote style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
-- <span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Goffine's Devout Instruction</span></div>
</blockquote>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-37099413860026498072012-09-06T19:05:00.001-04:002012-09-06T19:05:38.117-04:00700th anniversary of Italian Marian shrine : News Headlines - Catholic Culture<div style="text-align: justify;">The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><b style="background-color: #ffd966;">Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state, has traveled to the Marian shrine of Montevergine to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the veneration of an image of the Black Madonna there.</b></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Read more by clicking the link below:</div><b><a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=15499">700th anniversary of Italian Marian shrine : News Headlines - Catholic Culture</a></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-36814210925389937002012-08-14T20:59:00.000-04:002014-08-14T23:21:36.297-04:00Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (From Goffine's Devout Instruction) <b>August 15</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This feast is so-called because on this day, according to a very old and pious belief, the Blessed Virgin was, in body and soul, taken up into heaven. This feast is of very great antiquity; it was fixed on the 15th of August at the request of the Emperor Maurice, and afterwards, by Pope Leo IV, was extended to the whole Church.<br />
In the Introit of the Mass the Church invites us to universal joy by singing,<br />
<blockquote>
“Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating this festival in honor of the most blessed Virgin Mary, on whose assumption into heaven the angels rejoice and give praise to the Son of God. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my works to the King.” </blockquote>
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.<br />
<br />
<b>Prayer</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Pardon, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the sins of Thy servants, that we, who are not able to please Thee by our deeds, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son. Who livest, and reignest, for ever and ever. Amen.<br />
<br />
<b>Epistle: Ecclesiasticus 24:11-20</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In all things I sought rest, and I shall abide in the inheritance of the Lord. Then the Creator of all things commanded, and said to me: and He that made me rested in my tabernacle. And He said to me: Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thy inheritance in Israel, and take root in My elect. From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling-place I have ministered before Him. And so was I established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God His inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints. I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress-tree on Mount Sion. I was exalted like a palm-tree in Cades, and as a rose-plant in Jericho; as a fair olive tree in the plains, and as a plane-tree by the water in the streets, was I exalted. I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon, and aromatical balm; I yielded a sweet odor like the best myrrh.<br />
<br />
<b>Gospel: Luke 10:38-42</b><br />
<b><br /></b><img align="RIGHT" alt="[]" border="0" src="http://saints.sqpn.com/gdi229.gif" height="337" hspace="3" name="graphics1" width="400" /><br />
At that time Jesus entered into a certain town: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the Lord’s feet, heard His word. But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast Thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? speak to her therefore, that she help me. And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and art troubled about many things. But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.<br />
<br />
<b>Why does the Church read this gospel to-day?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Because it readily admits of being applied to Mary, the Mother of God, since she, far more worthily and lovingly than Martha, chose the best part, and thereby obtained the most glorious reward, which no one shall ever take from her.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the one thing necessary?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The glory of God and the salvation of the soul. Let a man, therefore, fulfil the duties which are binding upon him; but in so doing let him look only to God, avoid all uneasiness and distraction, all extravagance and excess, all that is unjust, and sooner sacrifice everything than suffer injury to his soul.<br />
<br />
--<i>Goffine's Devout Instructions</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-1838158977255525542012-08-06T20:19:00.001-04:002012-08-06T20:19:21.618-04:00Tens of thousands honor Our Lady of Guadalupe in Los Angeles : News Headlines - Catholic CultureThe excerpt below is from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><b style="background-color: #ffd966;">The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Knights of Columbus sponsored a Guadalupe Celebration at the Los Angeles Coliseum on August 5. Media estimates of attendance at the event, which included prayer, speakers, and music, ranged from 45,000 to 100,000.</b></li>
</ul><br />
Click below to read more:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=15156"><b>Tens of thousands honor Our Lady of Guadalupe in Los Angeles : News Headlines - Catholic Culture</b></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-23863985410698925842012-07-25T22:39:00.000-04:002012-07-25T22:39:05.423-04:00Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<b>July 26</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
JOACHIM also called Heli, the happy father of Mary, came of the royal line of David, and was from his youth brought up in piety and the fear of God. His married life with the pious aud chaste Ann was childless until they had reached a great age. His continual prayer and other good works were theu rewarded by God with that blessed child whose birth was the beginning of our salvation. He reared her in the fear of the Lord, offered her in her tenderest years to God in the temple at Jerusalem, and soon after gave up his spirit into the hands of his Creator. Oh, that all Christian parents might learn from the parents of Mary to train up their children, not for the world, but for God, from Whom they have received them, and Who will one day require them again from their hands! <br />
<br />
<b>Prayer</b> <br />
<br />
O God, Who wast pleased that, before all Thy saints, blessed Joachim should be the father of her who bore Thy Son, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may ever experience his patronage whose festival we celebrate. Through the same Jesus Christ, Amen. <br />
<br />
<b>Epistle: Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11</b> <br />
<br />
Blessed is the man that is found without blemish, and that hath not gone after gold, nor put his trust in money nor in treasures. Who is he and we will praise him, for he hath done wonderful things in his life. Who hath been tried thereby, and made perfect, he shall have glory everlasting. He that could have transgressed, and hath not transgressed, could do evil things, and hath not done them; therefore are his goods established in the Lord. <br />
<br />
<b>Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16</b> <br />
<br />
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob, begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Nasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Unag. And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abias. And Abias begot Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. <br />
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<b>Prayer</b> <br />
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O blessed and happy pair, Joachim and Anne, to whom the Almighty gave for a daughter the immaculate Virgin, the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a grace which is a speaking evidence of your purity, and of your lives being perfectly ordered according to the will of God - oh, obtain for me grace, that I may serve God chastely. Procure also for an Christian parents the help of the Almighty, that they may bring up their children in piety, and thereby become worthy to partake of your happiness. Amen. </blockquote>
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All that we know of Saint Ann is that she was married to Saint Joachim of the tribe of David, and lived with him in all virtue and piety, but for a long time was childless. This she bore with all patience, till at last the Lord heard her supplications, and made her the mother of the most blessed Virgin. This distinction on the part of God is praise enough for her. On this account the faithful have always shown great veneration for her, and continually invoke her intercession. <br />
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At the Introit of the Mass the Church sings: </div>
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"Let us all rejoice in the Lord, keeping festival in honor of Saint Ann, on whose solemnity the angels rejoice, and with one voice praise the Son of God. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my works to the King." </blockquote>
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Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. <br />
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<b>Prayer</b> <br />
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O God, Who wast pleased to confer upon Saint Ann the grace whereby she became the mother of her who brought forth Thine only-begotten Son, mercifully grant that we, who keep her festival, may, through her intercession, find help with Thee. Through the same Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen. <br />
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<b>Epistle: Proverbs 31:10-31</b> <br />
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Who shall find a valiant woman? the price of her is as of things brought from afar off and from the uttermost coasts. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good; and not evil, all the days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant's ship, she bringeth her bread from afar. And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She hath considered a field, and bought it with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. She hath tasted, and seen that her traffic is good; her lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hand to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow; for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry, fine linen, and purple is her covering. Her husband is honorable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine linen, and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chananite. Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well to the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle, Her children rose up, and called her blessed; her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches; thou hast surpassed them alL Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates. <br />
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<b>Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52</b> <br />
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At that time Jesus said to His disciples this parable: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hideth and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had fouud one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kind of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things? They say to Him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old. <br />
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<b>Explanation</b> <br />
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The hidden treasure is faith in the Crucified, Who remains concealed from the wise of this world by reason of their pride; the hiding of the treasure denotes that faith is to be preserved only by humility; the selling of all that he hath teaches that, for the sake of the faith, we must sacrifice all things, do all things, suffer all things. The parable of the merchant furnishes the same lesson. By the parable of the net the Lord teaches that the universal visible Church of Christ, the kingdom of God upon earth, contains not only the elect, but those also who shall be condemned - the bad as well as the good. At the end of the world there will be a separation, and the bad shall be cast into everlasting fire. <br />
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<b>Aspiration to Saint Anne</b><br />
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Hail, O blessed mother Anne! Blessed art thou, who, for our consolation, didst bear the Mother of our Redeemer. With the greatest, veneration, therefore, and full of confidence, we approach thee, beseeching thee that thou wouldst supplicate our divine Saviour to bestow upon us the graces which we need to follow thy ardent devotion, thy fear of God, and to render us worthy one day to behold in heaven the blessed fruit of thy virgin daughter's womb, Jesus, and to rejoice forever in the contemplation of Him. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>-- Goffine's Devout Instructions </i></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-66206356266400129852012-05-30T20:15:00.000-04:002012-05-30T20:15:00.470-04:00The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (From Goffine's Devout Instruction)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">May 31</span><br />
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This day is called the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary because on it Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, whom, as the angel had told her, God had blessed with a son in her old age.<br />
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In the Introit of the Mass the Church sings:<br />
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"Hail, holy parent, who didst bring trth the King Who rules heaven and earth forever. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak of my works for the King."<br />
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Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer</span><br />
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Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech Thee, unto us Thy servants the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that, as in the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin our salvation began, so from the votive solemnity of her visitation we may obtain an increase of peace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Epistle: Canticle 2:8-14</span><br />
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Behold he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping over the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart; behold he standeth behind our wall, looking through the windows, looking through the lattices. Behold my beloved speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, my love, my dove, my beautiful one, and come. For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in our land, the tune of pruning is come; the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig-tree hath put forth her green figs; the vines in flower yield their sweet smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come; my dove in the clifts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall, show me thy face, let thy voice sound in my ears; for thy. voice is sweet, and thy face comely.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Gospel: Luke 1:39-47</span><br />
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At that time: Mary rising up went unto the hill-country with haste, into a city of Juda; and she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. And Mary saId: My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.</div>
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1. As soon as Mary heard that Elizabeth was with child she hastened to her. The alacrity of the Blessed Virgin teaches us that we should take part with gladness in the happiness of our fellow-men, and quickly make ourselves ready to discharge our duties, sacrificing for that object, if necessary, even our own much-loved retirement, our devotions and other exercises of piety.</div>
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2. Mary visited her cousin out of real love, not out of unmeaning ceremony. Would that her example were followed in our visits!</div>
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3. By the visit of the Blessed Virgin John was sanctified in his mother's womb, and Elizabeth, enlightened by the Holy Ghost, knew, by the miraculous movements of her child, that Mary was the Mother of the Lord. Such effects did this visit produce. What would Jesus effect in us if we received Him with due preparation!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Explanation of the Canticle "Magnificat," Or "My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord"</span><br />
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In this hymn Mary with joy praises God, the Lord, that He has regarded her humility, aud made her to be the Mother of His only-begotten Son, wherefore she should be called blessed by all generations; and she declares the truths and mysteries which the incarnation brought to light. The mercy of God, namely, reaches from generation to generation to them that fear Him. He scatters the thoughts of the proud, and puts down from their seats the mighty; but He exalts the humble. He fills those who hunger for justice with good things, but those who think themselves rich He sends away empty. He receives all true Israelites, and performs in them the promises which He gave to the fathers. This hymn is repeated by the Church every day at Vespers, in praise of the work of redemption, begun by the incarnation of the Son of God in Mary. Would that every Christian, since he becomes one only by Christ being, as it were, born in him, might share those feelings which the Blessed Virgin and Mother has expressed in this hymn of praise, and, with the Church, daily praise God for the mystery of the incarnation!</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Aspiration</span><br />
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O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who didst descend from the highest heavens io the womb of the Virgin Mary, didst therein rest for rune months, and with her didst condescend to visit and sanctify Saint John, grant that we, by the practice of good works, particularly of humility, may become partakers of the fruits of Thy incarnation.</div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">--Goffine's Devout Instructions</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-53380050998127092622011-11-20T21:14:00.000-05:002011-11-20T21:14:20.643-05:00Feast of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Goffine's Devout Instructions)<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7995/1265/1600/presentation_Mary.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7995/1265/320/presentation_Mary.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<strong>November 21</strong><br />
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<div align="justify">THE BLESSED VIRGIN was presented in the temple at Jerusalem by her pious parents, Joachim and Ann, there to be educated in the service and the law of the Lord in order that she might be guarded against the defilements of the world. From this we learn: </div><div align="justify"><br />
1. Joachim and Ann offered to the Lord their only and most beloved child, and gave her up entirely to His service. Great as the sacrifice was, they yet made it. The preservation of the innocence of their daughter was to them above all else. Parents, God requires of you that you should not merely offer your children to Him in the temple, but that you should take care to keep them pure and holy, as living temples which have been consecrated in Baptism. <br />
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</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">2. Mary gives and dedicates herself to God as soon as she is capable of serving Him, and that without any reservation, for all time, and irrevocably. When, then, shall we give ourselves in earnest to God? True, we have been given to Him in holy Baptism, we have been consecrated as His temples, we have renounced the devil and the world, we have vowed to live only for God, and this vow we have, perhaps, often renewed; but have we kept it? What we gave with one hand, have we not taken it away with the other? Have we not defiled the temple of our hearts by shameful lusts, lived for the world and vanity more than for God? Ah, when shall we give ourselves up to God sincerely and forever? Perhaps when we are old! But will God accept our offering then? Will He be pleased that we begin to serve Him only when we can no longer serve the world? that we first begin to live for Him when our life is soon to cease? No; God is a jealous Lord, and is not pleased with a heart divided between Him and creatures. He requires us to love Him with all our heart and all our soul, and to serve Him with all our powers. Let us, then, do this, and do it from our youth; let us keep ourselves in body and soul undefiled for the Lord; such love, and such love only, will He reward as perfect. </div><br />
<strong>Prayer</strong><br />
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<div align="justify">O God, Who wast pleased that the blessed Mary, ever virgin, the habitation of the Holy Ghost, should on this day be presented in the temple, grant, we beseech Thee, that by her intercession we may deserve to be presented in the temple of Thy glory. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. </div><br />
<strong>Epistle: Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16</strong><br />
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<div align="justify">From the beginning, and before the world, was I created, and unto the world to come I shall not cease to be, and in the holy dwelling-place I have ministered before Him. And so was I established in Sion, and in the holy city likewise I rested, and my power was in Jerusalem. And I took root in an honorable people, and in the portion of my God His inheritance, and my abode is in the full assembly of saints. </div><br />
<strong>Gospel: Luke 11:27, 28</strong><br />
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<div align="justify">And it came to pass, as He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd lifting up her voice said to Him: Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the paps that gave Thee suck. But He said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it. </div><br />
<strong>Explanation</strong><br />
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<div align="justify">By His answer Jesus would have us understand that His Mother was not to be blessed merely because she bore Him, the Son of God, but rather because she at all times endeavored to keep the word of God in her heart and to observe it in her life. If you would be blessed, learn to be not only a hearer, but a doer, of the word of God. </div><div align="right"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Goffine's Devout Instructions</span></i></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-54893707551687392802011-09-14T22:31:00.000-04:002017-09-14T22:12:31.555-04:00Seven Sorrows of Mary<div align="center">
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<strong><em>Seven Sorrows of Mary</em></strong></div>
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<strong>I:</strong> I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of thy tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by thy heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God.</div>
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<em>Hail Mary</em></div>
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<em>Amen</em></div>
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<strong>II:</strong> I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of thy most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and thy sojourn there. Dear Mother, by thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially towards the poor, and the gift of piety.</div>
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<em>Hail Mary</em></div>
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<em>Amen</em></div>
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<strong>III.</strong> I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties which tried thy troubled heart at the loss of thy dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by thy heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the gift of knowledge.<br />
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<em>Hail Mary</em></div>
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<em>Amen</em></div>
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<strong>IV.</strong> I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation of they heart at meeting Jesus as He carried His Cross. Dear Mother, by thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of patience and the gift of fortitude.</div>
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<em>Hail Mary</em></div>
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<em>Amen</em></div>
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<strong>V.</strong> I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful in the martyrdom which thy generous heart endured in standing near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, by thy heart afflicted in such wise, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of counsel.<br />
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<em>Hail Mary</em><br />
<i>Amen</i><br />
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<b>VI.</b> I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of thy compassionate heart, when the side of Jesus was struck by the lance and His Heart was pierced. Dear Mother, by thy heart thus transfixed, obtain for me the virtue of fraternal charity and the gift of understanding.<br />
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<em>Hail Mary</em><br />
<i>Amen</i><br />
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<strong>VII.</strong> I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, for the pangs that wrenched thy most loving heart at the burial of Jesus. Dear Mother, by thy heart sunk in the bitterness of desolation, obtain for me the virtue of diligence and the gift of wisdom.<br />
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<em>Hail Mary</em><br />
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Pray for us, O Virgin most sorrowful,</div>
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That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ<br />
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Let us pray<br />
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Let intercession be made for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, now and at the hour of our death, before the throne of Thy mercy, by the blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whose most holy soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the hour of Thy bitter passion. Through Thee, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest world without end. <br />
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Amen<br />
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-37298269271308993642011-05-30T20:04:00.000-04:002011-05-30T20:04:35.524-04:00Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (From Goffine's Devout Instructions)<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7995/1265/1600/feastofvisitation.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7995/1265/320/feastofvisitation.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">May 31</span><br />
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This day is called the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary because on it Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, whom, as the angel had told her, God had blessed with a son in her old age.<br />
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In the Introit of the Mass the Church sings:<br />
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"Hail, holy parent, who didst bring trth the King Who rules heaven and earth forever. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak of my works for the King."<br />
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Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.</div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech Thee, unto us Thy servants the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that, as in the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin our salvation began, so from the votive solemnity of her visitation we may obtain an increase of peace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.</div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Epistle: Canticle 2:8-14</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Behold he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping over the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart; behold he standeth behind our wall, looking through the windows, looking through the lattices. Behold my beloved speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, my love, my dove, my beautiful one, and come. For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in our land, the tune of pruning is come; the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig-tree hath put forth her green figs; the vines in flower yield their sweet smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come; my dove in the clifts of the rock, in the hollow places of the wall, show me thy face, let thy voice sound in my ears; for thy. voice is sweet, and thy face comely.</div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Gospel: Luke 1:39-47</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">At that time: Mary rising up went unto the hill-country with haste, into a city of Juda; and she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. And Mary saId: My soul doth magnify the Lord; and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">1. As soon as Mary heard that Elizabeth was with child she hastened to her. The alacrity of the Blessed Virgin teaches us that we should take part with gladness in the happiness of our fellow-men, and quickly make ourselves ready to discharge our duties, sacrificing for that object, if necessary, even our own much-loved retirement, our devotions and other exercises of piety.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">2. Mary visited her cousin out of real love, not out of unmeaning ceremony. Would that her example were followed in our visits!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">3. By the visit of the Blessed Virgin John was sanctified in his mother's womb, and Elizabeth, enlightened by the Holy Ghost, knew, by the miraculous movements of her child, that Mary was the Mother of the Lord. Such effects did this visit produce. What would Jesus effect in us if we received Him with due preparation!</div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Explanation of the Canticle "Magnificat," Or "My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord"</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">In this hymn Mary with joy praises God, the Lord, that He has regarded her humility, aud made her to be the Mother of His only-begotten Son, wherefore she should be called blessed by all generations; and she declares the truths and mysteries which the incarnation brought to light. The mercy of God, namely, reaches from generation to generation to them that fear Him. He scatters the thoughts of the proud, and puts down from their seats the mighty; but He exalts the humble. He fills those who hunger for justice with good things, but those who think themselves rich He sends away empty. He receives all true Israelites, and performs in them the promises which He gave to the fathers. This hymn is repeated by the Church every day at Vespers, in praise of the work of redemption, begun by the incarnation of the Son of God in Mary. Would that every Christian, since he becomes one only by Christ being, as it were, born in him, might share those feelings which the Blessed Virgin and Mother has expressed in this hymn of praise, and, with the Church, daily praise God for the mystery of the incarnation!</div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Aspiration</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who didst descend from the highest heavens io the womb of the Virgin Mary, didst therein rest for rune months, and with her didst condescend to visit and sanctify Saint John, grant that we, by the practice of good works, particularly of humility, may become partakers of the fruits of Thy incarnation.</div><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">--Goffine's Devout Instructions</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-29872219989165569882011-03-24T00:14:00.000-04:002011-03-24T00:14:25.242-04:00Feast of the Annuciation of the Lord (Goffine's Devout Instructions)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WXOYd6VOvvg/TYrElnVq4SI/AAAAAAAACjE/vwoXjBfZKVg/s1600/annunciation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WXOYd6VOvvg/TYrElnVq4SI/AAAAAAAACjE/vwoXjBfZKVg/s320/annunciation.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><b><br />
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<b>March 25</b> <br />
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This feast is so called from the announcement to the Blessed Virgin, by the archangel Gabriel, that she was to be the mother of the Messias. In the Introit of the Mass the Church refers to this high dignity of Mary's: "All the rich shall entreat thy countenance; after her shall virgins be brought to the King; her neighbors shall be brought to thee in gladness and rejoicing. My heart hath uttered a good word, I speak my works to the King." <br />
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Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. <br />
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<b>Prayer</b> <br />
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O God, Who didst please that Thy Word should take flesh, at the message of an angel, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant to Thy suppliants that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be blessed by her intercession with Thee. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. <br />
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<b>Epistle: Isaias 7:10-15</b> <br />
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In those days the Lord spoke to Achaz, saying: Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God, either unto the depth of hell, or unto the height above. And Achaz said: I will not ask, and I will not tempt the Lord. And he said: Hear ye therefore, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to be grievous to men, that you are grievous to my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel. He shall eat butter and honey, that He may know to refuse the evil and to choose the good. <br />
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<b>Instruction on the "</b><i><b>Angelic Salutation</b></i><b>" or "</b><i><b>Hail Mary</b></i><b>"</b> <br />
<dl><dl><dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">Why is this prayer called the "<i>Hail Mary</i>" or "<i>Angelic Salutation</i>"? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">Because it begins with the words which the archangel Gabriel addressed to the Blessed Virgin when he announced to her that she should be the Mother of God. </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> Of what does the Angelic Salutation consist? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">1. Of the words of the archangel Gabriel. 2. Of the words of Saint Elizabeth. 3. Of words which have been added thereto by the Catholic Church. </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> Which are the words of the archangel Gabriel? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">"Hail [Mary], full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women." </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> What is the meaning of these words? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">The words "Hail Mary" indicate that profound veneration for the Blessed Virgin which was felt by the archangel Gabriel, and which we, in imitation of his example, ought also to cherish. The words "full of grace" remind us that God bestowed upon the Blessed Virgin greater graces than upon all men and angels together, and that not for herself alone, but for us also; they therefore encourage us to pray to Mary with fervor and confidence, that by her powerful intercession she will obtain for us the graces necessary for our salvation. "The Lord is with thee" - these words express the peculiar complacency with which God has regarded her, on account of which He wrought in her special miracles of wisdom, omnipotence, and benignity. Let us rejoice with Mary over these prerogatives, and implore her to intercede for us, that God may be with us also, to sustain us by His almightiness, to govern us by His wisdom, to incite us to all that is good by the fire of His infinite love. Finally, the words "Blessed art thou among women" are as much as to say: Thou art the happiest of all women, since thou alone of them all hast no stain of sin on thee; thou art chosen to be the Mother of God; thou shalt conceive Him by the Holy Ghost, and shalt bring Him forth without losing thy virginity. Thus it was that the angel saluted the most blessed Virgin, and yet there are men who are ashamed thus to salute Mary, and to give praise for the graces which God conferred upon her. </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> Which are the words of Elizabeth, and what do they mean? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">"And blessed is the fruit of thy womb" - the word <i>blessed</i> is equivalent to praised. In saying these words, therefore, we desire that the fruit of Mary's womb, Jesus, may be worshipped and praised by all men. </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> Which are the words which the Catholic Church has added? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">To the words "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb" she has added "Jesus," in order thereby to explain them, and to indicate that this prayer is to be offered in the name of Jesus. Thereupon follow the words, "Holy Mary, Mother of G6d" pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen." </dd>
<dt style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;"> What do these words mean? </dt>
<dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; margin-right: 0.39in;">With the words, "Holy Mary," we apply to her who is full of grace as our intercessor, and thereby are reminded to strive to imitate her holiness, if we would be sure of her intercession, and of being heard before God. We call her" Mother of God," because she brought forth Jesus, the Son-of God. Thereby we at the same time remind her that she is our mother also, and pray her to care for us as a mother j not as though we believed she could of herself help us, but with the design that she should offer to God her all-prevailing prayers for us j hence we sa.y, " Pray for us,;' adding, "sinners." By these words we remind Mary of our misery, al!d ourselves of our powerlessness for good, and of our guilti~ess in the sight of God, praying her to procure for us the grace of God to do true penance, to acquire virtues, and to gain true peace, and that" now," inasmuch as at every moment, and throughout our whole life, we have so many dangers to meet, so many virtues to gain; "and at the hour of our death," that we may overcome the temptations of the last de cisive hour, and stand complete victors before the throne of th~ etewal Judge. "Amen," so may it be, is, as it were, to repeat and make stronger the whole prayer. </dd></dl></dl><blockquote><b>Gospel: Luke 1:26-38</b> <br />
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At that time the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace: the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father; and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren; because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word. <br />
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<b>Salutation to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary</b> <br />
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Hail, Mary, full of grace! I rejoice, and give joy to thee, that thou hast been chosen the Mother of the Most High, and the queen of heaven and earth. With thee is the Father Who begot, from all eternity, Him Whom thou didst bring forth as God-man in time; with thee is the Son, Whom thou didst bear, in thy virginal womb; with thee is the Holy Ghost, overshadowed by Whose power thou didst become the Mother of the Redeemer of the world. Praised, therefore, be thou, thou blessed among women; thou daughter of the Most High; thou bride of the Holy Ghost; thou joy of heaven; thou ornament of the Church of God; thou honor of Christians. Oh, pray God for us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. </blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></blockquote><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><i>--Goffine's Devout Instructions</i></blockquote></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-51191633214812396442010-11-29T18:26:00.000-05:002010-11-29T18:26:49.770-05:00From Goffine's Devout Instructions: The First Sunday of Advent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeB84Jv8ypw/TPQ2Urf6sYI/AAAAAAAACTc/cNd0u_osUok/s1600/First+Sunday+of+Advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eeB84Jv8ypw/TPQ2Urf6sYI/AAAAAAAACTc/cNd0u_osUok/s400/First+Sunday+of+Advent.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the first day of the ecclesiastical year; on it the Church begins to contemplate the coming of Our Saviour, and, with the prophets, to long for Him ; she exhorts the faithful to true penance for their sins, which oppose Christ s entrance into their hearts; she sings, therefore, at the Introit of the Mass, in the words of the psalmist : “To Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul.”</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Prayer.</b></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Raise up Thy power, O Lord, we pray Thee, and come, that by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins, and to be saved by Thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest, etc. Amen.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>EPISTLE.</b> Rom. Xiii. 11-14.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brethren : Knowing the season, that it is now the hour for</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we believed. The night is passed and the day is at hand. Let</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">us therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day : not in rioting and</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and envy ; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What is understood here by sleep ?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sin, in which man, as if sunk in a torpor, no longer sees the light of the Gospel, no longer hears the warning of his conscience, neglects the means of salvation, and lives without care, until he awakes, alas ! too late, as from a dream.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What is understood by night and day ?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">By night is to be understood ignorance, infidelity, and sin. The day represents faith, grace, and reconciliation with God.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What are the works of darkness ?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All sin, especially that which is unknown to men, but seen and known by God, of Whose grace it deprives us.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What is the armor of light ?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It consists in faith, hope, charity, and good works, the spiritual arms with which we have to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What does it mean to put on the Lord Jesus Christ ?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It means that Christians should think, speak, and act like Jesus, adorning themselves by the imitation of Him as with precious garments.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Prayer.</b></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">O Lord Jesus Christ, Who became man for us, grant that we</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">may in all things comply with the admonitions of this epistle ;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">that we may arise from the slumber of our sins, and walk in the</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">light of grace by the diligent performance of good works, and</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">adorn our souls by putting on Thee, through the imitation of</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thy virtues.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>GOSPEL.</b> Luke xxi. 25-33.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At that time Jesus said to His disciples: There shall be</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, and upon the</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">earth distress of nations, by reason of the confusion of the roar</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ing of the sea and of the waves : men withering away for fear,</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world, for</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the powers of heaven shall be moved ; and then they shall see</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the Son of man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But when these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">your heads, because your redemption is at hand. And He spoke</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to them a similitude : See the fig-tree, and all the trees ; when</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">they now shoot forth their fruit, you know that summer is nigh.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So you also when you shall see these things come to pass, know</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">that the kingdom of God is at hand. Amen I say to you, this</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">generation shall not pass away till all things be fulfilled. Heaven</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and earth shall pass away : but My words shall not pass away.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Why does the Church cause this Gospel concerning the Last Judgment to be read to-day?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To prepare our hearts by penance for the coming of Jesus as our judge.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>What signs shall precede the Last Judgment?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The sun shall be darkened, the moon shall not give light, the stars shall fall from heaven ; the heavens themselves shall pass away with a great noise, the elements shall melt with heat, and the earth with all that is in it shall be burned up. At the command of God the world shall be shaken to its centre ; fearful tempests shall arise ; the sea and wave? shall roar, and wild struggle and destruction take the place of quiet and order. Men shall wither away with fear, not knowing whither to fly. Then shall appear the holy cross, the sign of the Son of man a terror to sinners who have hated it, a consolation to- those who have loved it.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>How will the Last Judgment begin?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the command of God the angels, with the sound of the trumpet, shall summon all men to judgment (i. These, iv. 15).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The bodies and souls of the dead shall be again united, and the wicked shall be separated from the righteous, the just on the right, the wicked on the left (St. Matt. xxv. 33). The angels and the devils will be present, and Christ Himself will appear in a bright cloud with such power and majesty that the wicked, for fear, will not be able to look at Him, but will say to the mountains, “Fall on us,” and to the hills, “Cover us” (St. Luke xxiii. 30).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Why will God hold a general and public judgment?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. That all may know how just He has been in the particular</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">judgment of each one. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;"><br />
</div><ol start="2"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 2. That justice may at last be rendered to the afflicted and</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">persecuted, while the wicked who have oppressed the poor, the </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">widow, the orphan, the religious, and yet have often passed for </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">upright and devout persons, may be known in their real characters </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and be forever disgraced. </span> </div></ol><ol start="3"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 3. That Jesus Christ may complete His redemption, and openly</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">triumph over His enemies, who shall see the glory of the Crucified, </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and tremble at His power.</span></div></ol><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>How will the Last Judgment proceed?</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The books will be opened, and from them all men will be judged ; all their good and bad thoughts, words, and deeds, even the most secret, known only to God, will be revealed before the whole world, and according to their works men will be rewarded or be damned forever. The wicked shall go into everlasting punishment, but the just into life everlasting (St. Matt. Xxv. 46).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Exhortation.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Church, during the season of Advent, reminds thee, O Christian, of the coming of Christ to judgment, that thou mayest with the more zeal apply thyself to profit by His first coming ; for they only will be justified and glorified who have acknowledged and received Him as their Redeemer. Examine thyself, therefore, to-day, and during this week, whether thou hast believed in Him, loved Him, admitted Him into thy heart, and kept His holy commands. Begin at once penance and good works, that thou mayest with confidence await the judgment-day of the Lord.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Aspiration.</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thou art just, O Lord! and just is Thy judgment. Oh, penetrate my soul with holy fear, that I may be kept from evil deeds, and incited to good works. Would that I could say, with St. Jerome, “Whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do, it is as if I heard the awful summons of the trumpet, 'Ye dead, arise, and come to judgment !' ”</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">– <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Goffine's Devout Instructions</i></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-38038951140559056922010-10-01T01:13:00.002-04:002014-12-12T00:28:52.058-05:00The Mysteries of Guadalupe.<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14990561.post-68255145110963709352010-09-05T17:27:00.000-04:002010-09-05T17:27:21.086-04:00Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary<style type="text/css">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8gqUtEBbeU2KOG80tIVdpHPgqX1mj5jM3lZrowujidkpqrcYmfBdrn2MWsvuDi11FcczO6M0cKlTSnUeqzZneo5OU4SxXFhWYdKXpJln598KCdNuZMEXtDfDhFmX8NRM0X5o/s1600/Mary+Birth-Murillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8gqUtEBbeU2KOG80tIVdpHPgqX1mj5jM3lZrowujidkpqrcYmfBdrn2MWsvuDi11FcczO6M0cKlTSnUeqzZneo5OU4SxXFhWYdKXpJln598KCdNuZMEXtDfDhFmX8NRM0X5o/s320/Mary+Birth-Murillo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><blockquote><b>September 8</b> <br />
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This feast is a commemoration of that happy and joyful day on whIch the ever-blessed vIrgin Mother of God first saw the light of day. The Church accordingly sings on this day, </blockquote><blockquote>"Thy nativity, virgin Mother of God, has brought joy to the whole world; for from thee has come forth the Sun of justice, Christ the Lord, Who putting away cursing bestowed blessing, and by overcoming death obtained for us life eternal." </blockquote>In the Introit of the Mass the Church sings: <br />
<blockquote>"Hail, holy parent, who as a happy mother brought forth the King Who rules heaven and earth from eternity to eternity. My heart hath uttered a good word; I speak my works to the King." </blockquote>Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. <br />
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<b>Prayer</b> <br />
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Vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech Thee, unto us Thy servants the gift of Thy heavenly grace, that, as in the childbirth of the Blessed Virgin our salvation began, so from the votive solemnity of her nativity we may obtain an increase of peace. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. <br />
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<b>Epistle: Proverbs 8:22-35</b> <br />
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The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived, neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out: the mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the hills I was brought forth: He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and compass He enclosed the depths: when He established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters: when He compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when He balanced the foundations of the earth, I was with Him forming all things; and was delighted every day, playing before Him at all times; playing in the world, and My delights were to be with the children of men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear Me: Blessed are they that keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth Me, and that watcheth daily at My gates, and waiteth at the posts of My doors. He that shall find Me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord. <br />
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<b>Gospel: Matthew 1:1-18</b> <br />
<br />
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob, begot Judas and his brethren. And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram. And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Nasson begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Unag. And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abias. And Abias begot Asa. And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias. And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias. And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias. And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon. And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel. And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor. And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. <br />
<br />
Let us honor Mary, especially by imitation of those virtues of hers which are to us, as Saint John Damascene says, an open book of instruction; let us rejoice in her prerogatives and glory; let us encourage others in the veneration of her; let us, in our need, have recourse to her, who, according to the name Star of the Sea with which the Church salutes her, shines for all who sail upon the dangerous sea of the world. For this reason Saint Bernard calls out to each one of us, </div><blockquote>"Take not your eyes from the light of this star if you would not be overwhelmed by the waves; if the storms of temptation arise, if you are thrown upon the rocks of affliction, look to the star, invoke Mary. Are you confounded at the enormity of your sins, are you ashamed at the defilement of your conscience, are you terrified on account of the dreadful judgment, so that you begin to be overpowered by sadness, or even to sink into the abyss of despair, then turn your thoughts to Mary. In dangers, in distress, in doubt, call on Mary. She will not be far from your mouth, or your heart; and that you may obtain her intercession omit not to imitate her conduct. When you follow her, you will not go astray; when you invoke her, you will no longer be in doubt; when she supports yon, yon will not fall; when she leads you, you will surely come to eternal life, and will find by your own experience that she is justly called Maria - that is, Star of the Sea." </blockquote><br />
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<br />
<blockquote style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Goffine's Devout Instruction</span></i></blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>Steve Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07100985961890100599noreply@blogger.com0