Passionate about LIFE

Poem: A Clear Midnight by Walt Whitman

2012-01-25T19:29:00.004-10:00

A good poem soothes the soul, if you let it. When the Beloved becomes the object of the gaze found in prose, it is a prayer.

Relish in the divine and be uplifted.

A Clear Midnight
By Walt Whitman

THIS is thy hour O Soul, thy free flight into the wordless,
Away from books, away from art, the day erased, the lesson done,
Thee fully forth emerging, silent, gazing, pondering the themes thou lovest best.
Night, sleep, and the stars.

March for Life Hawai'i

2012-01-17T09:03:00.000-10:00

Aloha, everyone!

It's that time again to commemorate life as a community -- through the annual March for Life. Participate in this event. If you are from another part of the world, come and join us! Celebrate Aloha with us!

Laughter in Marriage

2012-01-12T06:18:00.007-10:00

Laughter is very, very good for the marriage. Make it a habit to laugh together.

To the original creator of this photo and text, thank you!

New Year's Resolutions?

2012-01-02T10:17:00.004-10:00

In our chats with and worships to God, it might be a great idea to consider what "New Year's resolutions" might actually mean. No need to hurry it. As Mary pondered upon the realities of life and wonders of God presented before her, it will delight the soul to ponder -- with Mary -- what we might do to have better resolutions this New Year 2012.

First things first: Give up New Year's resolutions -- because they never work!

Why might that be? For reasons that the self is the one in active "engage" with God, as opposed to God being the central, focal and lead character of our life. As Henri Nouwen pointed out, it is worth realizing that we are already in a spiritual journey with God. What we need to do then is to build upon that engaging truth. Continue to be enriched with spiritual delights to built our life growing and more grounded on the rock -- Jesus himself.

How?

Continue what we are doing in our life with God and meditate often -- a good habit to form as Mary did -- to discern what area in our life our God wants to be more active in. Just that for now.

God bless our spiritual journeys!

How to mark your doorposts with Epiphany chalk

2011-12-31T04:19:00.003-10:00

A great Catholic site for Epiphany blessing of the home for this year 2012: This site includes prayers that you can print for the whole family to use during the blessing of the home using chalk.

What to do with chalk? Bring pieces of chalk to a priest and ask him to bless them. You may bless the chalk yourself by using the prayer found on Vultus Christi, a blog maintained by Fr. Mark Kirby.

This is a joyful time for the family to build on its prayer foundation. The father leads in the prayer and children take turns inscribing the numbers and letters on the doorposts of the home. In the absence of the father, the mother can lead in the prayer -- this is the case for friends of mine with husband/father in the military.

Enjoy this event exercising loving patience for the little ones. We aim not for perfection of letter and number writing of the children, but focus on the loving presence of God whose desire is to bless the home and those who dwell in it; and as this is done, the family's ties with God is strengthened. Family activities such as this one will serve, no doubt, to renew and solidify the bond among its members.

A joyful Epiphany to all!

It's Still Christmas!

2011-12-29T18:26:00.009-10:00

If you happen to know, your days of Christmas -- as they should be -- have not ended! Live each one of them. Embrace it as if it were a series of days that comes so naturally as a given gift -- from above!

From my experience, if Advent was well spent in the true spirit of anticipation, then, the joys of Christmas day and the following days will remain in the heart longer than expected. There is something special and utterly "unsuperficial" about having to wait -- even if it takes days as in Advent -- for something extraordinary. When one's heart, I think, does not take the time to recognize this, it may be hard to see that the extraordinary has come. If all days were spent as if they are all alike and things are close in proximity to being of sameness, do be careful, as the soul may have reached a plateau. It's a place we do not want to be at.

It is best to be present in the seasonal celebrations of our Church. Keeping up with the church liturgical readings, for instance, will re-live in us the story of God himself, the author of life! Our souls shall be inflamed with a deeper longer for God -- a truly wonderful place to be at!

Enjoy the days of Christmas!

The Holy Family, pray for us!

Music: Where Are You Christmas? By The Piano Guys

2011-12-24T09:43:00.005-10:00

By two very talented classic musicians...

Where Are You Christmas? Jon Schmidt & Steven Sharp Nelson (Live in concert)

Reflection: The Dark Night of the Soul

2011-12-14T14:24:00.006-10:00

There is something of an "undescribed" serenity in knowing that when we walk in the narrower path where our Lord is unseen, he is there made manifest in the emptiness and dryness of our being. As St. John of the Cross describes it: It is at that point when God carries the one in anguish. For having abandoned itself to God -- completely -- it is owned back by God, propelled by his spirit, though it feels not its presence. It carries on, walks on, gives up not any of God's callings -- for it knows that only in God is.

May this song with a few lines on the The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross bring you hope, as it does me.

Poem for Meditation: Advent

2011-12-12T02:31:00.000-10:00

First Coming
by Madeleine L’Engle

He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.

He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait

till hearts were pure. In joy he came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
he came, and his Light would not go out.

He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

Meditations on The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2011-12-08T07:48:00.004-10:00

A great meditation tool for today, The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patronal Feastday of the United States of America, a holy day of obligation:

Quotes to Ponder this Advent

2011-12-03T10:24:00.010-10:00

"Advent is concerned with that very connection between memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most profound and basic emotional memory within us, namely, the memory of the God who became a child. This is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory so that it can discern the star of hope.…

It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope."

-Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Seek That Which Is Above,1986

“The liturgy of Advent…helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,’ a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life. Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.”

- Pope John Paul II, Dec. 18, 2002

A Joyful Advent to All!

2011-11-29T09:54:00.007-10:00

Advent: a season of contemplation and pondering. Never to be missed when God allows the movement of time to caution us to dance to its softer pace -- that we may anticipate well his coming!

What are you reading this Advent? This is an important question. For as we delve into the time in our Church when we need to slow down, we need to be replenished -- deeply -- with words that will bring us the joy of looking forward to meeting Christ. He shall come, no doubt!

When he's finally come we want to be found ready and worthy of his loving presence. For the meantime, he looks forward to being with us. He longs to be with us.

Have we made any efforts to prepare, to slow our movements, to relish in the moments of longing for the Beloved? For as he longs to be with us we, too, should be impassioned with a great longing to be with him.

For good books to read this Advent, visit the Daughters of St. Paul.

A most joyful Advent to all!

(Picture is taken from Catholic Mom in Hawai'i. Thank you, Esther G!)

Get Ready for The Third Edition of the Roman Missal!

2011-11-25T06:07:00.005-10:00

Be excited and look forward to the implementation of The Third Edition of the Roman Missal this First Week of Advent!

Why are the words of the Catholic Mass changing? Fr. John Muir confronts the misconceptions about the changes with truth and clarity. Fr. John helps parents understand the recent history behind the newest 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal and how it grows from the 1st and 2nd editions. Fr. John compares the "dynamic equivalent" and the "formal equivalent" of how we translate words from Latin to English, and then explains the elaborate process used to create the new Roman Missal. Finally, Fr. John encourages us to rediscover the meaning behind the words and we use at Mass and how we can help our children through this transition.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Year 2011

2011-11-24T06:51:00.003-10:00

Thanking God...

Shout with joy to the LORD,
all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
shout with joy to the King, the LORD.
Let the sea and what fills it resound,
the world and those who dwell there.
Let the rivers clap their hands,
the mountains shout with them for joy,
Psalm 98:4-8

Prayer:

O Our Lord and Master, such joy, such joy!
You deserve to be praised gloriously.
Though you do not need our thanks
You deserve to receive joyous thanksgiving for
your goodness
your grace
your mercy
your greatness
your love!
We sing and dance to the melodious music
of words and words of THANKS
for you, Almighty God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen!
-By Easter Almuena

a repost

Inspirational: Life is Like A Cup of Coffee

2011-11-16T16:33:00.000-10:00

Movie and Song: Courageous

2011-11-09T22:42:00.003-10:00

A great song and a great movie!

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, David Thomson, and Shane Fuller are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark. When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?

Movie: The Way

2011-11-02T14:51:00.008-10:00

"You don't choose a life. You live one."

A line that piqued my love for the movie, it also brought me to meditation and prayer. True, we have the option of choosing a path to take in life, but oftentimes, it just doesn't happen. There are many factors that may stifle our ability to step into the greater or better part of the path we are treading on. Some of those factors are beyond our control. How do we deal with them?

I think maybe many of us have the answers, but when the path is bleak and the light is obscured by those unwanted factors, our brain becomes confused and our heart starts to beat in an unfashionable way. We feel lost. Where is God in all of these? Doesn't he know this is the time I need him the most?

I'd like to say he's there and that he's never left; in fact, he's present more than ever. Do we really want to hear this? Probably not, especially at the time when we have hit rock bottom.

The beauty of the truth, though, of God's omnipresence is that it is constant, reliable, and undiminished. He is there. He is forever present. In life or in death. In joy or sorrow.

Whatever life we have now, he is there present. We live that life with him, in him and through him.

He is the Way. In him, we are always found.

Tom is an American doctor who goes to France following the death of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees during a storm while walking The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St. James. Tom's purpose is initially to retrieve his son's body. However, in a combination of grief and homage to his son, Tom decides to journey on this path of pilgrims. While walking The Camino, Tom meets others from around the world, all broken and looking for greater meaning in their lives, and discovers the difference between the life we live and the life we choose.

Movie: Snowman

2011-10-26T18:31:00.002-10:00

A surprising discovery in the snow catapults three small-town boys into the spotlight. When their instant celebrity fades, the boys hatch a plan to set a Guinness World Records® title ensuring their names will never be forgotten. Along the way, the trio battles schoolyard bullies, unites their community and discovers that while fame may be fleeting - true friendship lasts forever.

The film stars Bobby Coleman (Last Song), Ray Liotta (Wild Hogs), Bobb'e J. Thompson (Role Models), Josh Flitter (Ace Ventura Jr) and Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future).

Sharing: Couple Married for 72 Years Dies Holding Hands

2011-10-21T07:50:00.004-10:00

A great read for couples! Iowa Couple Married for 72 Years Dies Holding Hands...

God-spouse-children-others. This is a good lateral rule of obedience to God. Guided by this simple rule to follow for couples for daily living, in making decisions, in taking new steps in life, chances are marriage will bear bountiful fruits.

For Reflection: Poem by Edgar Allan Poe

2011-10-10T22:36:00.026-10:00

It's time for
another reflective poem.
Of one for one to ponder
silence, in silence.
Here we see a type that
stagnates the soul
forewarning us
to be vigilant of its "toxicating"
presence -- what a poem
by Edgar Allan Poe!

As a child I cherished his writings,
especially one about passion,
of Anabelle Lee, of love prevailing
beyond physical bounds.
Such is God's love, one that
surpasses all, one that
rises above from all,
remains strong, unyielding
no matter what and no matter where,
whether in turmoil, in disguise,
or when faced with this silence...

Sonnet - Silence
by Edgar Allan Poe

There are some qualities- some incorporate things,
That have a double life, which thus is made
A type of that twin entity which springs
From matter and light, evinced in solid and shade.
There is a two-fold Silence- sea and shore- Body and soul.
One dwells in lonely places,
Newly with grass o'ergrown; some solemn graces,
Some human memories and tearful lore,
Render him terrorless: his name's "No More."
He is the corporate Silence: dread him not!
No power hath he of evil in himself;
But should some urgent fate (untimely lot!)
Bring thee to meet his shadow (nameless elf,
That haunteth the lone regions where hath trod
No foot of man,) commend thyself to God!

Arch. Fulton Sheen: Divine Sense of Humor, Part III

2011-10-02T19:46:00.002-10:00

Arch. Fulton Sheen: The Divine Sense of Humor, Part II

2011-09-29T06:37:00.001-10:00

Arch. Fulton Sheen: The Divine Sense of Humor, Part I

2011-09-27T23:11:00.006-10:00

The Music of Red: You're Not Alone

2011-09-16T09:20:00.004-10:00

Poetry and music are two largely terrifically important parts of my life. Here's my favorite that has been my kids' favorite for awhile now. In the realm of music, I think, what brings in a greater passion is hearing my own kids' voices singing songs that I know are glorifying to God. I become a parcel of the glorious momentum; meaning, I, too, "get lost" in the moment -- sacred moment -- with God himself. That special incomparably perfect time is beyond words.

Have you ever felt like you just have to let go, or "get lost" in the moment?

Let us support the music industry that creates music that glorifies our God. They deserve it.

Poem by Robert Frost

2011-09-14T07:58:00.007-10:00

A Boundless Moment
By Robert Frost

He halted in the wind, and -- what was that
Far in the maples, pale, but not a ghost?
He stood there bringing March against his thought,
And yet too ready to believe the most.

"Oh, that's the Paradise-in-bloom," I said;
And truly it was fair enough for flowers
had we but in us to assume in march
Such white luxuriance of May for ours.

We stood a moment so in a strange world,
Myself as one his own pretense deceives;
And then I said the truth (and we moved on).
A young beech clinging to its last year's leaves.

Pope Benedict is in Madrid for WYD

2011-08-18T05:01:00.007-10:00

With smiles on his face, Pope Benedict XVI is seen arriving in Madrid, Spain. We pray for him, Spain, all delegates, and all youth participating in the event.

May the youth's experience in Madrid bring them a lasting hope that will keep them spiritually inflamed with God's presence, and with hearts renewed on their return to their homelands, they spread around them -- whether in church or in the society -- the Life of Christ himself. May their passion bear fruits in their future vocations; most of all, that many vocations to the church grow from that experience.

Hawai'i Catholic Herald blogs about your delegates to the WYD 2011.

Meet Bishop Larry Silva and Fr. Peter Dumag and some of our delegates in Hawai'i now in Madrid, basking in God's spirit as they gather to join the others for WYD 2011.

My thanks to Merelyn Lubong for sharing with us their pictures.

Classical Music: Ballade pour Adeline

2011-08-13T05:08:00.003-10:00

Many of our classical music can be a tool in approaching the divine presence in simple yet unique ways. Explore those possibilities. Be immersed in music that captures a better reality, one with true substance, and one that brings into the innermost chambers of our life fullness of LIFE itself.

EWTN Channel is on YouTube

2011-08-11T01:40:00.001-10:00

Poem: on wisdom by St. John of the Cross

2011-08-09T05:00:00.000-10:00

St. John of the Cross

...For peace and piety abound
In perfect wisdom there, to show
In solitude and quiet profound
A straight and narrow way to go.
This was a very secret thing,
And there I stayed, just stammering,
All human knowledge withering.

And there I stayed, all feeling gone,
Absorbed, involved, and quite apart
From all concerns that were my own,
Deprived of every human art,
And I was made to comprehend
A wisdom had to apprehend,
All human knowledge to transcend...

Translation by K. Jones

Real Essence of Life and Chastity

2011-08-03T05:09:00.003-10:00

Using Scripture and the Catechism, Kimberly Hahn teaches on the true meaning of chastity. It's an apprenticeship in self-mastery and the successful integration of sexuality in a person's life. Everybody married or single is called to chastity. To learn about the 2011 Defending the Faith Conference go to http://www.franciscanconferences.com

Poem: Excerpt from Poems by St. John of the Cross

2011-07-27T09:29:00.008-10:00

On a dark night
When Love burned bright
Consuming all my care,
While my house slept,
Unseen, I crept
Along the secret stair.

O blessed chance!
No human glance
My secret steps detected.
While my house slept,
I silent crept
In shadow well protected...

Translation by K. Jones

Why Pray?

2011-07-23T08:02:00.011-10:00

Prayer is a moment of grace after grace, of a most indescribable union with the Creator. He seeks us, contains us, lavishes us with his presence filled with love, joy, and peace. Why resist the invitation?

There is, however, more to prayer than we can think or imagine...

CCC 2725: Prayer is both a gift of grace and a determined response on our part. It always presupposes effort. The great figures of prayer of the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of God, the saints, and he himself, all teach us this: prayer is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and against the wiles of the tempter who does all he can to turn man away from prayer, away from union with God. We pray as we live, because we live as we pray. If we do not want to act habitually according to the Spirit of Christ, neither can we pray habitually in his name. The "spiritual battle" of the Christian's new life is inseparable from the battle of prayer.

More on Life of Prayer from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

You Know You've Raised Good Kids When...

2011-07-04T23:08:00.009-10:00

July 4th was a special treat for me as my family awoke to my steak and eggs breakfast. We prayed before the meal and asked God to bless America, its people and those who continue to fight in the name of freedom.

I had been longing to drive around the Island and today was that time. It truly was a remarkable day of basking in God's landscaped earth with its floras, and trees majestically towering to the sky to proclaim him their Creator.

Shave ice couldn't have tasted any better -- when your loved ones are in sight!

Topping the day was when my 14-year old son came into my room carrying a plate with 2 crepes filled with strawberries and blueberries ripened for the occasion, and topped with dark chocolate and whipped cream to tickle my taste buds. When you are reading The Poems of St. John of the Cross and find yourself in this moment of grace -- you know -- you just know that you did something right to raise your kids!

Of course, we ended the day with family prayer. That movement of time sealed the most lovely 4th of July with the breath of God himself, and to which, I couldn't have agreed more!

To all Fathers on Father's Day

2011-06-19T19:57:00.007-10:00

It's hard not to fall in love with this song Lead Me. Sang by Sanctus Real, it caught my attention when my 13-year old son played it on his guitar, over and over again. Each time he sang it, it surprisingly brought us another dimension in our search for meaning in our relationships within the family.

The father plays an important role in the family. No doubt. The beauty, however, in attaining balance or an equilibrium in the family nucleus lies in a more basic foundation: God. He has to be the core, the One who brings Life to the family and all that it needs to be.

If you have not heard this song yet, take the time... You'd be astounded.

Good Habits

2011-06-18T00:40:00.000-10:00

I came across this blog post that I find informative. It's called 30 Habits that Will Change your Life.

I find it helpful in areas where I need to develop more sense and direction in life.

Check it out and give it a try.

Holy is His Name, The Magnificat

2011-06-06T00:24:00.002-10:00

Is there anyone out there just loving the prayer The Magnificat?

Me!

The Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant From this day all generations shall call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation. He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever. Amen

Pope Benedict XVI on Theology of the Body

2011-05-17T07:12:00.003-10:00

Benedict XVI met with the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family for the 30th anniversary of its foundation. The group discussed how the theology of the body and the theology of love build strong marriages and families. The pope also noted the importance of love and respecting one's body.

Quotes that agitate the heart, by Pope John II

2011-05-11T14:56:00.000-10:00

Not a moment of despair! -- because, despair means we have allowed ourselves to lose the gain of full communion with God. Despair is not of God. God is not a god of despair, he is the God of hope.

Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song. --Pope John Paul II

Inspiration is good, but if it remains in the heart it hasn't reached what it teaches. Pope John Paul II taught us both: hope and movement.

How's my Marriage?

2011-05-05T04:17:00.026-10:00

This is a check point in a marital journey where the man and woman, united by the sacrament of Matrimony, shares God and all that is good between them.

In my experience with my husband to whom I have been married for twenty-three years now, and having been friends before that for ten, I had come to a realization sometime years back that the sacramental grace that unifies my husband and me, much like what St. Paul in Scripture says about grace in general of it being sufficient, is that marital grace is indeed sufficient, but should be graciously used daily. That grace has to be sought and looked upon as an anchor, for its foundation is Christ himself who is truly alive in that sacrament.

Here are the questions to ponder:

Have I been faithful to my spouse in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, loved him/her and will continue to do so all the days of my life?

Have I been there for my spouse for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, and will be there for him/her until death do us part?

Movie: Of Gods and Men

2011-05-03T23:16:00.011-10:00

Good movies come by rarely these days, but when they are in the theaters we shouldn’t think twice about going. If we spend money on coffee or clothes, we sure can spend what we earn into something that goes beyond personal satisfaction: We invest our resources into creative works meant to stir hearts that seek God for the grace he freely gives -- to be active, to be a part of, and to be passionately involved in his dynamic plan that points to common good.

What a powerful movie Of Gods and Men is! Shared by a good priest and friend of mine, I didn’t hesitate to hold my daughter’s hand so we could run to the theater to catch the first evening show. Thank you, Fr. Paul.

Enjoy the trailer.

Of Gods and Men (French title: Des hommes et des dieux) is a 2010 French drama film starring Lambert Wilson and Michael Lonsdale. It centers on the monastery of Tibhirine, where Trappist monks lived in harmony with the largely Muslim population of Algeria. Under threat by fundamentalist terrorists, the monks must decide whether to leave or stay. The screenplay focuses on the time leading up to their death, where seven of them were found beheaded in 1996.
Release date: February 25, 2011

Divine Mercy Novena starts on Good Friday

2011-04-16T05:59:00.005-10:00

Divine Mercy Novena
Jesus further asked that this Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena of Chaplets to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. Say one chaplet each day following the novena intention. In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena I will grant every possible grace to souls." (Diary 1209, 796)
First Day
"Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Third Day
"Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Fourth Day
"Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Fifth Day
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Sixth Day
"Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Seventh Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Eighth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Ninth Day
"Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen

A personal message

2011-03-28T10:23:00.003-10:00

I thank you all for your continued support and patience. Unfortunately, my computer is down. I am currently using a friend's; I praise God for her generosity. I will be blogging again when I have better access to technology.

My prayers are with you. May your Lenten journey bring you closer to our Father, who works within us and "from within" in all our journeys.

Our God be praised!

Book of Job: God and Me, Meditation for Lent

2011-03-21T19:25:00.001-10:00

Meditations for Lent -- Confessions of St. Augustine #3

2011-03-14T23:02:00.006-10:00

"But you were always with me, mercifully severe,
and you sprinkled all my unlawful pleasure with
a most bitter disgust, so that I should seek pleasures
free from anxiety. But where to find such, I could not discover,
except in you, O Lord. You teach by sorrow and
wound us in order to heal, and slay us
that we may not die from you."

-St Augustine

Conversion, against the current mediocre morality

2011-03-13T23:58:00.002-10:00

Uploaded by vatican on Feb 17, 2010

"Conversion is to go against the flow, where the 'flow' is a lifestyle that is superficial, incoherent and illusory, which often drags us in, dominates us and makes us slaves of evil or at least prisoners of moral mediocrity." The Pope noted this in the catechesis of today's general audience dedicated to the journey of Lent, which begins today (Ash Wednesday). ‬‪Before more than seven thousand pilgrims, Benedict XVI recalled that with conversion, to which we are reminded in the first formula of the rite of ashes, "we are pointed to the high standard of Christian life- "the living and personal Gospel which is Jesus Christ. For this, a small adjustment of life is not enough, but rather "a real turnaround, a choice of ...

Meditations for Lent: Confessions of St. Augustine #2

2011-03-12T02:36:00.009-10:00

My readings for Theology class mentions St. Augustine -- what a coincidence! It gives me the inpiration to continue sharing with you a part and parcel of my meditations on The Confessions of St. Augustine. Copies are available at Pauline Books and Media Centers (click on 'Locations' found on top of sites to view). Here's their online page: Catholic Books Online.

Oh Lord my God,
who gave life to my infancy,
furnishing the body you gave
with senses, knitting its limbs together,
shaping its proportions and implanting
in me all the impulses necessary
to the maintenance
of the integrity and safety of a living being--
you command me to praise you in these things,
to give thanks unto the Lord
and to sing to your name, O Most High.
For you are God, almighty and good,
even if you had done nothing
but these things which no one but you could do.
You alone made all things, O most Fair,
and you make all things fair;
and by your law you order all things.
-St. Augustine

St. Damien Devotion Prayer Group

2011-03-11T11:32:00.001-10:00

Invitation to Join the St. Damien Devotion Prayer Group
From Venny & Jessica Villapando, St. Damien Devotion Prayer Group

The first prayer meeting for the St. Damien Devotion Prayer Group is scheduled for Saturday, March 12th, 12:30-1:30PM, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace (by St. Damien's Relic). Future gatherings will be held weekly every Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 PM, immediately following the Cathedral's 12 Noon Mass.

This Devotion Prayer Group will offer a consistent and structured prayer calling for the intercession of St. Damien for healing as well as other intentions. He was known as a tireless worker for everything he did, and through our prayers we also want our beloved saint to help the people and State of Hawaii in these difficult times. As a way of learning more about St. Damien, the prayer group devotions will also include reflections on his published letters and the Rosary.

The weekly devotion prayer to St. Damien has been formally approved by Bishop Larry Silva, the Father Damien/Mother Marianne Commission and the Cathedral’s Fr. John Berger.

For more info, please call Jessica or Venny Villapando, Tel. 845-3381.

“Have scrupulous exactitude for everything regarding God: prayer, meditation, Mass, administration of the Sacraments; unite your heart with God…” St. Damien of Molokai

Meditations for Lent: Confessions of St. Augustine

2011-03-10T08:21:00.002-10:00

Alii Beach

"What are you then, my God -- what, but the Lord God?
Most high, most excellent, most powerful, most almighty,
most powerful, and most just;
most hidden, yet most present;
most beautiful, and most strong;
stable; yet mysterious;
unchangeable, yet changing all things;
never new, never old;
making all things new and bringing age upon the proud,
though they know it not;
ever working, yet ever at rest;
still gathering, yet lacking nothing;
sustaining, filling and protecting;
creating, nourishing, and maturing;
seeking, yet possessing all things."
-St. Agustine

Message of Pope Benedict XVI for Lent 2011

2011-03-09T23:50:00.006-10:00

"The first Sunday of the Lenten journey reveals our condition as human beings here on earth. The victorious battle against temptation, the starting point of Jesus’ mission, is an invitation to become aware of our own fragility in order to accept the grace that frees [us] from sin and infuses new strength in Christ — the way, the truth and the life." --Pope Benedict XVI, taken from his Lenten Message for 2011

40 Days for Life in Hawai'i

2011-03-03T01:42:00.004-10:00

Being Human Documentary to Air March 8-11 on KALO-TV
Aloha friends,

Pro-lifers in a record 247 locations in the United States, Armenia, Australia, Belize, Canada, England, Georgia, Ireland, and Spain are preparing for 40 Days for Life campaigns from March 9 to April 17. Hawai'i will host its own campaign in Honolulu, which will maintain a prayer vigil outside the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic at 1350 S. King St.

The 40 Days for Life campaign is a focused pro-life movement that has saved nearly 3,600 lives from abortion, led to the conversion of 43 abortion workers, and seen nine abortion facilities close. In addition to the children saved, thousands of women and their partners have been spared from the suffering, trauma, and regret that come with the decision to abort one's child.

In conjunction with the spring campaign, Hawaii Right to Life is excited to announce the broadcast of being HUMAN, the award winning documentary about 40 Days for Life on viewer-supported KALO-TV channel 38 (channel 25 on Oceanic). Being Human will air March 8, 10, and 11, times to be announced.

Hawaii Right to Life and KALO-TV wish to thank Red Brick Studio and executive producers Shawn Carney and Jeff Blaszak for making being HUMAN available to Hawai'i viewers. For more information, visit http://www.beinghumanshow.com/

If you appreciate having excellent pro-life broadcasting, we encourage you to support both Hawaii Right to Life and KALO-TV!

For questions, please call the HRTL office at 808-585-8205. .

For Life,

Janet M. Grace
Executive Director
Hawaii Right to Life
81 S. Hotel St, Ste 200-B, Honolulu, HI 96813-3144
808.585.8205 - office@hrtl.org

Rosary, anyone?

2011-02-24T23:32:00.008-10:00

If you wish to pray the rosary with others, but there really is nobody around, well, you can and won't be alone.

Check out this site Come, Pray the Rosary and pray with several other Catholics using this site. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.

I might just join you!

What we can learn from Titanic

2011-02-04T10:30:00.012-10:00

My son TJ is studying different kinds of boats and ships -- an interesting topic. Having watched the movie Titanic, he asked many questions about it and why it had sunk. Praise God! The blessings of a variety of tools for learning are not unreachable -- thank God for technology! So here's something else that we found:

Titanic video

We know how the Titanic submerged with about 1,500 lives in it, wasted and unrestored. Looking back, what is interesting, as emphasized through this video is the reminder that we humans can learn from it: The Titanic's destruction is borne out of humanity's mistakes because of greed, stupidity, carelessness, and some bad luck.

We look to Christ and receive his wisdom that we may not make the same mistakes. Together -- as one body -- we focus on peace, solidarity, restoration, and building.

(Before viewing the video, click on arrow found below on you right to see in full screen. Mahalo!)

Feast of Blessed Mother Marianne Cope

2011-01-23T21:28:00.007-10:00

Taking a look at last year's Feast of Blessed Mother Marianne Cope:

Thank you for these video clips, Fr. Marc Alexander!

Here's a good link about Bl. Mother Marianne: Cope.

Thanks, Melissa C., for the info!

Getting Ready for Walk for Life

2011-01-17T06:09:00.008-10:00

Hawai'i will once again hold its celebration of life, to be followed by a walk for life. This is such an important event for families, christian and civic groups, and individuals who value the life of the unborn. Unmistakably, many are drawn to the strength of unity held by its attendees. There is passion in every man or woman that "walks the walk," as they carry signs of reminders of how precious life is. Many of the so-called walkers walk to renew their commitment to life. Some of whom had an experience with or of abortion. If they had in fact gone through this process, which they acquiesced to for various reasons, they now understand that to preserve the life of a baby in the womb is, in fact, a healthy thing to do.

Many stories tell us that these women wished they never had to abort a fetus or baby. Perhaps, they were not informed well, thought that what they did was best for them and their family, or that they saw no means to provide for themselves and most importantly for their babies. They probably didn't know also that there are shelters and pregnancy crisis centers that are open to women facing this type of dilemma. Pregnancy Centers are there to help. On our part, it is important to support this ministry because, through these pregnancy crisis centers, we can save yet millions of unborn babies.

Life is wonderful, as the movie A Wonderful Life tells us. But the real world works and revolves differently. Though the movie shows us many facets of crises and challenging moments in life, not often do people come together to pull resources to help someone in desperate need. The society works in a funny way in that sense. It tends to choose who or what to help. For instance, many times it chooses creatures over human beings. Have you ever witnessed a commercial that asks for donations for the homeless? Often, realities hit people differently. Some might step back and refuse to help for they themselves are in need of help. Anyhow, let us all be informed of the need to be educated and to educate those who need to know that life is indeed precious and that we ought to preserve it. Celebrate life, live LIFE, promote life!

Hawai'i celebrates life on January 22 of this year at the State Capitol from 10am to 3pm. Come and join us.

Aloha and mahalo!

Jeff Cavins at Defending the Faith 2008

2011-01-14T05:32:00.000-10:00

Here's an invitation to contemplate more deeply parallelism between what we believe and what we achieve. There might be a great disparaty, but each moment is a given gift of making sense what is real and what is make-believe. Now is time for realignment of those two opposing sides, that our life, overall, may be lived in genuine love and hope -- not just for ourselves, but for those around us who journey alongside us. Most of all, we embrace realignment for the greater glory of our Lord.

Jeff Cavins talks on "Entering the Kingdom: The Battle of the Will" at the 2008 Defending the Faith Conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville
Source: Steubenville University Channel

Miracle Baby: Born 15Weeks, Weighing 12ounces

2011-01-12T05:33:00.002-10:00

Scott Hahn at Defending the Faith 2008

2011-01-10T05:19:00.000-10:00

Here's good source for reflections as we have stepped into the new year. May the new year bring you many blessings, as much as God would allow -- which really is countless.

Let us receive our Lord fully, without reserve, for in him is fullness of life.

Dr. Scott Hahn talks about "A Gentle Reign, A Royal Pain: Eucharistic Kingdom and the Mystery of Redemptive Suffering" during the 2008 Defending the Faith Conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Source: University of Steubenville Channel

Handy Little Chart Based on Scripture

2011-01-06T05:40:00.004-10:00

Scripture passages are ALWAYS handy. You can bet on it. If you have gone through a very difficult time in your life, you know the truth behind it. Scripture will never fail you -- because God is its source, and it points to his unfailing love. God is love. His love is constant and his faithfulness remains -- in you and in me, and will remain embedded in our hearts. Our job is to trust God's word, no matter how chaotic things appear.

Handy Little Chart Based on Scripture

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Meeting the New Year with a Steadfast Heart

2011-01-03T09:48:00.007-10:00

From my dearest friend, Sr. Lourdes Avila of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist:

Another year, another chance
To start our lives anew
This time we’ll leap old barriers
To have a real breakthrough.

To get through the hardest journey we need to take only one step at a time but we must keep on stepping!

Rough roads or smooth ones, may you have the courage and determination to face every journey with a smile in the new year!

Let the new year be a year of freedom,
a year of service, a year of trust in God and our people,
and it will be a happy year from first to last.
It may be the hardest year we have known,
but it will be the happiest.

-Author Unknown

"Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.
Your every act should be done with love." I Cor 16:13-14

Happy New Year! Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

A Message

2010-12-17T01:11:00.006-10:00

This blog will be temporarily closed and will resume activity in January of next year. I will be in a process of prayer and discernment for new directions. I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me in the coming year.

You are all in my prayers.

A joyful Advent Celebration! May the coming Christmas be as joyful as Christ would like you to have it: in full with his new birth, filled with hope and love.

Nostalgic Music M

2010-12-01T07:48:00.001-10:00

Nostalgia can bring us to the right mood: particularly the kind that seeks the presence of Christ, draws us to his presence, and, ultimately keeps us desiring to stay in that presence.

Nostalgic peace and joy soothe the soul. It invigorates. It calls to praise and give thanks to God, its creator.

Byron Janis-CHOPIN'S Nocturne in D flat major, Op 27, No 2-Piano Poetry
www.youtube.com
Byron Janis Plays Chopin's Nocturne in D flat major. His ultimate expression and interpretation of poetry for Frederic Chopin(1810-1849) Nocturne The Piano Music.

How's my Foundation?

2010-11-24T06:43:00.009-10:00

Thanksgiving comes with a certain joy of becoming. We look back to see what we are thankful for that shaped us into the being that we are and have become.

We look into the inner core and get a glimpse of what truly makes us. We look deeper to do a re-check of what holds us together. How is my foundation like? On which do I stand? How strong is it?

I thought I'd share these pics with you sent to me by Fr. Luis, my good friend from Venezuela. It sure makes me ponder how much grounded or un-grounded I am. It makes me cry out to God to always hold me and to keep me steady and forever planted in him.

Thank you, Lord, for when we make you our foundation, we shall forever stand.

Rosary Prayer Request

2010-11-21T19:04:00.003-10:00

60 Catholics were brutally murdered while attending Mass in a Catholic Church in Bagdad , Iraq . They are glorious martyrs.

But 400,000 Catholics remain and are being persecuted for the faith. And we’re being asked to pray the Rosary to help them.

Tell friends about this Rosary

See this impassioned email I received from an Iraqi Catholic:

"I need help. I am Chaldean. We are Catholics from IRAQ who are persecuted for our faith. As you may have heard, the Muslim extremists bombed a Church in Baghdad , killing 2 priests and 58 believers.

"Is there anyway we can set up a rosary rally for Chaldeans? So all can join in? We need help. Please, I am begging you. I am begging you."
So please pray the Rosary on November 23 for persecuted Catholics in Iraq . And tell everyone you know to please join in.

Massacre at Mass in Baghdad

Spread news about this Rosary to your friends.

On TUESDAY NOVEMBER 23, AT 9PM THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL ROSARY RALLY AT MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN.

Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church
25585 Berg Road
Southfield, MI 48033
Tel: (248) 356-0565
Fax: (248) 356-5235
Email: MotherOfGodChurch@yahoo.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS SPECIAL ROSARY TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW.

And please remember: the Rosary saved Austria from Russian Communists. It can save Catholics in Iraq too. There used to be 1.5 million Catholics in Iraq , but only 400,000 remain. They urgently need our prayers!

ROSARY SAVED AUSTRIA STORY

Info sent to me by my good friend, Fr. Mark Wheelan, SOLT.

Song of the Day: Power of Your Love

2010-11-17T07:27:00.003-10:00

I'm praying and going down memory lane with some beautiful people of the present and distant past, as I sing to Power of Your Love.

The Jesus Lizard

2010-11-11T05:58:00.002-10:00

I've never seen a Jesus lizard, a basiliscus, to fully witness its mobility in water. I read here that "they run 1.5 meters (4.8 feet) per second for approximately 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) before sinking on all fours and swimming." Incredible.

John 6:16-20 is the scripture passage that tells us about Jesus walking on the water. Would speed have anything to do with this? Perhaps.

If we think of the gravity of Jesus' faith, then speed would be an important element in his ability to walk on water. Jesus' faith is so strong that not only can he walk on waters, but also conquer death.

I invite you to watch this video clip that demonstrates mobility to be an important element to a little creature's life and habits. Perhaps it may be important, too, to our own life and walk of faith. What is your take on this?

World Youth Day and Grassroots Films

2010-11-10T00:33:00.003-10:00

Are you ready, Madrid? Thousands of youth can't wait to be there.

Theme Song Gives Sneak Peak of Youth Day '11

World Youth Day 2011 Website

Numbers! Beautiful Numbers!

2010-11-09T14:39:00.003-10:00

View this clip to see numbers, shapes, colors, and images collide and dance to the melody of music. It points to God's genius and creativity perfected by his own beauty. Take a look and be enamored by his love embedded in it.

Thanks to my good friend, Fr. Luis Eduardo, for sending me this video!

Cardinal-designate Raymond Burke Discussing Abortion and Voting

2010-11-01T20:58:00.001-10:00

Exercising sainthood in a not-so-saintly world:

Last Day of Novena for Election

2010-11-01T06:33:00.001-10:00

Ninth Day

Eight Day of Novena of Election

2010-10-31T20:30:00.001-10:00

Eight Day

Seventh Day of Novena for Election

2010-10-30T05:16:00.000-10:00

Seventh Day

Sixth Day of Novena for Election

2010-10-29T17:15:00.000-10:00

Sixth Day

We Are The Catholic Vote

2010-10-29T07:49:00.001-10:00

Fifth Day of Novena for Election

2010-10-28T17:52:00.001-10:00

Fifth Day

Fourth Day: Novena for Election

2010-10-27T14:31:00.000-10:00

Fourth Day

Third Day: Novena for Election

2010-10-26T19:29:00.000-10:00

Third day

Second day of Novena for Election

2010-10-25T18:00:00.000-10:00

Second day of Novena for Election.

Understanding Why the Catholic Bible Has More Books

2010-10-24T19:48:00.004-10:00

I cannot tell you what a joy it has been for me to have been lavished with the blessing of learning Pentateuch and the Historical Books of the Old Testament. My eyes have been opened to the wonderful, wonderful truths behind the conception and completion of the Bible of our Catholic Church.

I am pleased to have found this video that will give you a glimpse of what I'm learning. I love this because of the simplicity of the words, helping me to understand better what I'm learning in my classes in M.A. in Theology.

Enjoy watching! Understand and grow in knowledge. It's a beautiful thing. It's a gift from God.

Novena for Election

2010-10-24T12:51:00.003-10:00

Ian Ibana invites us all to participate in the novena for the coming election. Check out his wonderful site iCatholic - Faith in Action on the World Wide Web.

The novena for election starts today, Sunday, October 24th, and ends on Monday, November 1st.

Here are the prayers to be said everyday: Novena for Election

In Honor of LIFE this October, Respect Life Month

2010-10-20T06:30:00.002-10:00

Music is beautiful! More beautiful are the faces of God's children, young and mature, who glow with God's LIFE! Pro-life is beautiful! Life is beautiful!

Come and watch, and embrace the life of God in the faces of his children!

Regrets of the Dying

2010-10-19T11:30:00.005-10:00

A good friend sent this to me, and now sharing it with you all. I hope that you find some comfort in it, or that it'll take you to prayer and medition, so you may find some answers to help you get to where you need to be.

Lord, be with us in this time of pondering...

Top Five Regrets of the Dying
By Bronnie Ware

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

This article was written by Bronnie Ware, a writer, singer/songwriter, songwriting teacher and speaker from Australia. She has lived nomadically for most of her adult life. Bronnie shares her inspiring observations and the insights gained along the way through the diversity of her work. To read more of her articles and learn about her other work, please visit Inspiration and Chai at http://www.inspirationandchai.com/.

Catholic Religious Anyone?

2010-10-10T18:31:00.002-10:00

Dedicated to All Men

2010-09-28T21:32:00.002-10:00

From Mountain View: Please encourage the men in your family and your friends to create a profile on Catholic Mountain!

Happy Birthday, Cy!

2010-09-26T17:11:00.004-10:00

Dear Lord,
your gifts are tremendous!
Those ones unmeasured and most cherished
breathe with your breath,
live with the life from you,
and walk guided by you.

I thank you today for one of them.
She is beautiful.
Words will never express
the thankfulness I bear within me
for this one
most special gift.

Happy Birthday, Cy!

Love,
Mom

Catholic Charities of Hawai'i and Pope's Message on Mission Sunday

2010-09-16T03:09:00.009-10:00

Every year Catholic Charities of Hawai'i asks for the support of Catholics on the Islands through an extra collection done at our churches. This Sunday a second basket will be passed around for this purpose.

Let us take a look at their projects that benefit the many different levels of needs in our society:

Catholic Charities Hawai'i provides services to tens of thousands of people each year through more than 30 statewide programs. Programs address the following community, social, and behavioral areas of need:

•Child Abuse and Neglect
•Homelessness
•Children's Emotional and Behavioral Problems
•Unplanned Pregnancy
•Adult Violence and Abuse
•Difficulties Encountered by Immigrants and Refugees
•Difficulties Adjusting to Life's Challenges
•Sustaining Independent Living for Seniors and Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Catholic Charities Hawaii celebrated the grand opening of its new Clarence T. C. Ching Campus, located on 2.2 acres in Makiki on March 31, 2010. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Lt. Governor James Duke Aiona, Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Bishop Larry Silva, Larry Rodriguez, Chuck Jones, Father Larry Snyder, Jerry Rauckhorst and representatives of The Clarence T. C. Ching Foundation were on hand for the formal dedication, which included blessings of the new Campus and Peace Pole, maile untying ceremony and formal remarks.

Source: Catholic Charities of Hawai'i

On this note, here's a good read for us to ponder over: Message of Holy Father on Mission Sunday.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2010

Building Ecclesial Communion
is the Key to Mission

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The month of October, with the celebration of World Mission Sunday, offers to diocesan and parish communities, institutes of consecrated life, ecclesial movements and the entire People of God an opportunity to renew the commitment to proclaim the Gospel and to give pastoral activities greater missionary perspective. This annual event invites us to live intensely the liturgical and catechetical, charitable and cultural processes through which Jesus Christ summons us to the banquet of his word and of the Eucharist, to taste the gift of his presence, to be formed at his school and to live ever more closely united to him, our teacher and Lord. He himself tells us, "He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him" (Jn 14: 21). Only on the basis of this encounter with the Love of God that changes life can we live in communion with him and with one another and offer our brothers and sisters a credible witness, accounting for the hope that is in us (cf. 1 Pt 3: 15). An adult faith, capable of entrusting itself totally to God with a filial attitude fostered by prayer, meditation on the word of God and study of the truth of the faith, is a prerequisite for furthering a new humanism founded on the Gospel of Jesus

More here.

To Ponder: Quotes by Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

2010-09-16T02:39:00.004-10:00

Cornelius: "There is one God and one Christ and but one episcopal chair, originally founded on Peter, by the Lord's authority. There cannot, therefore, be set up another altar or another priesthood. Whatever any man in his rage or rashness shall appoint, in defiance of the divine institution, must be a spurious, profane and sacrilegious ordinance" (St. Cyprian, The Unity of the Catholic Church).

Cyprian: “You cannot have God for your Father if you do not have the Church for your mother.... God is one and Christ is one, and his Church is one; one is the faith, and one is the people cemented together by harmony into the strong unity of a body.... If we are the heirs of Christ, let us abide in the peace of Christ; if we are the sons of God, let us be lovers of peace” (St. Cyprian, The Unity of the Catholic Church.

To read about today's saints, click on the source: AmericanCatholic.org

Song of the Day: "One"

2010-09-14T00:01:00.000-10:00

Info: Formation in Social Catholic Doctrine

2010-09-13T14:42:00.003-10:00

Formation in Social Catholic Doctrine

FORMATION COURSE
Since 2000 the Foundation, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Centre of the Pontifical Lateran University, has offered a two year course of formation in the social doctrine of the Catholic Church (Catholic Social Teaching)

FIRST YEAR PROGRAM

Introduction to the social doctrine of the Church: definition and roots
Social teachings in the Fathers
Social teachings of the Church in the context of evangelization
Biblical perspective

Introduction to the social teachings of the Church
Social teachings of the Church: synthetic presentation
Social teachings of the Church: diachronical presentation

Economic theories
Social teachings of the Church and market economy: methods and theories
EURO monetary policy: theories, institutions, practical instances
Rationale of the independence of central banks

Anthropology and professional ethics
Social teachings of the Church and the professions
New types of labour contracts and revision of the Law (Italian) regulating
professional activities
Corporate responsibility

Social teachings of the Church and society dynamics
Communication between technology and anthropology
Ethical perspective of culture
Family

Human toil : regulatory and social aspects
Management as leadership
Role of Unions
Revised Law (Italian) regulating professional activities

Human toil : anthropology and practice
Meaning and value of work
Work, family and society
Work and jobs: pastoral aspects

SECOND YEAR PROGRAM

Social policies
The welfare “system”: general outlook, characteristics and instruments
Social security/private insurances: how to integrate them

Religion and society
Politics: a faith requirement
History, religion and society
The European Charter

Political doctrines
History and politics in 19th century Catholic thought
Political representation
Christian political commitment inspired by the social teachings of the Church:
doctrinal basis, cultural confrontations, contemporary challenges

“Ethical” finance
Methods of choice in ethical investments
Socially responsible finance: history and perspective
Economics and management of socially responsible businesses

Economics of the third sector
Globalization
No-profit
NGOs and development

Social and ecological responsibilities
Social responsibility in urban and territorial realities
Ethics of the environment: introduction

Social teachings of the Church and cultural dynamics
Cultural leadership
Management of immaterial goods: a new marketing?
Cultural project of the Italian Church

For those interested, send an email to: centannus@foundation.va

Information provided for @Association of Pauline Cooperators
Posted by Sr. Margaret Kerry, fsp.

Today's Poem: Robert Frost

2010-09-10T13:39:00.003-10:00

Source: Wikipedia

Good Hours
by: Robert Frost (1874-1963)

I HAD for my winter evening walk--
No one at all with whom to talk,
But I had the cottages in a row
Up to their shining eyes in snow.
And I thought I had the folk within:
I had the sound of a violin;
I had a glimpse through curtain laces
Of youthful forms and youthful faces.
I had such company outward bound.
I went till there were no cottages found.
I turned and repented, but coming back
I saw no window but that was black.
Over the snow my creaking feet
Disturbed the slumbering village street
Like profanation, by your leave,
At ten o'clock of a winter eve.

Mahalo for your participation!

2010-09-08T13:58:00.006-10:00

Happy Birthday, Mary!

I thank you, dear friends in Christ,

for joining us in praying for those seeking employment.

May you be blessed, each one of you,

for your generosity in blessing those who are in need of prayers,

through your loving prayers and concern for them.

We continue to pray for all our brothers and sisters

needing employment right now,

or those needing a better job.

May Our Lord continue to hear our prayers

as we stand before him with his own Mother, Mary.

When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him,
"They have no wine." (And) Jesus said to her,
"Woman, how does your concern affect me?
My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers,
"Do whatever he tells you."

(John 2:3-5)

With these words, we are comforted

by the truth that Mary's intercessions for us

are heard by her Son.

Novena to Mary for Employment - Day 9, Tues., Sept. 7

2010-09-07T00:00:00.000-10:00

Please see below for prayers. Mahalo!

Novena to Mary for Employment Starts August 30

2010-08-27T03:06:00.010-10:00

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

September 8

This novena starts on August 30 and ends on September 7

To be recited everyday:

V. O God, come to my assistance
R. O Lord, make haste to help me
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
R. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

First Day: Heavenly Child, lovable Mary, the Eternal Father delights in your birth, for He beholds in your coming into this world one of His creatures who is so perfect that she will become the worthy Mother of His divine Son. May your birth give joy to my soul also, by obtaining for me from the heavenly Father, the pardon of my sins, and an abiding sorrow for them.

Hail Mary...