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July 9

“When someone falls does he not rise again? If he goes astray does he not return? Let us raise ourselves from our fall and not give up hope as long as we free ourselves from sin.”

                                                                                    -St. Basil the Great

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July 8

“Many may not find giving up food and drink and a soft bed too difficult…But bearing an insult, a wrong, or hurtful words…this is something to be borne not by many but by few.”

                                                                        -St. John Chrysostom

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July 7

“To suffer need is something that can happen to anybody, but knowing how to endure it belongs to great souls.”

                                                                                    -St. Augustine

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July 6

“We often lament that we are not able to pray because of the many distractions which hinder our recollection and dry up the source of devotion in our hearts, but in this we err and do not know what we are saying. The best prayer is not that in which we are most recollected and fervent, but that in which we are most humble; because it is written: ‘The prayer of him that humbleth himself shall pierce the clouds.” And what distractions of mind and heart can prevent our exercising humility?”

                                                            -Father Cajetan Mary da Bergamo

Today's Reflection:

According to the quote, what is the unique characteristic of the best prayer? Say a prayer asking God for this virtue – and don’t be surprised at how quickly He responds!

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July 5

“Since you possess our Lord in person after Holy Communion, endeavor to close the eyes of the body, and, opening, those of the soul, look into your heart. In proportion to your desire to contemplate [our Lord], He will manifest Himself to you in many ways.”

                                                                                  -  St. Teresa of Avila

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July 4

“If you immediately become preoccupied with distracting affairs, and give no heed to Him Who is within you, how can He make Himself known to your soul? The time of which I am speaking, namely, immediately after Holy Communion, is a particularly opportune time. It is then that the Master personally teaches you. Listen to Him.”

                                                                                    -St. Teresa of Avila

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July 3

“Do not waste the hour after Holy Communion, which provides you with so favorable an opportunity for acquainting Him with your interests. Realize that this time is very precious for the soul. It can profit by these moments to glorify the good Jesus in a wonderful way.  Remain in His company. Take special care not to lose Him.”

                                                                                    -St. Teresa of Avila

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July 2

“If you stay close to my Sorrowful Heart, I will defend you in your spiritual battles with the devil and I will protect you in every instant of your life. I will console you in your pains and I will accompany you in your work. At the moment of death, my Son and I will be your eternal consolation and joy.”

                                    -Our Blessed Mother to St. Bridget of Sweden

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July 1

“The mother is both the physical preserver of life and the moral provider of truth; she is nature’s constant challenge to death, the bearer of cosmic plentitude, the herald of eternal realities, God’s great cooperator.”

                                                            -Venerable Fulton J. Sheen

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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS Staff Writer Released during the same month that Mexican Catholics embark on the annual pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's December issue of Playboy mocked the Blessed Mother by featuring a nude model wearing a veil with the words “We Love You, Maria” on the cover.

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