The stories in the Catholic world these days, stories of abuse, cover-ups, and promotion of predators have me profoundly sad. The word “silence” has me angry.
Monthly Archives: September 2018
Is There Hidden Meaning in Waking Up at Odd Hours?
RT writes: “I have heard that there’s some kind of spiritual significance to when you wake up in the middle of the night. For example, if you wake up at 1:00 a.m. it means you’re on the brink of a spiritual awakening – or at 3:00 a.m. it means your energy levels are too low. Is any of this true?”
Breast Cancer Survivor Says No to Komen
Because of the connection between Susan G. Komen and Planned Parenthood, this breast cancer survivor is not only saying “no” to Komen and is providing a list of pro-life breast cancer charities for those who don’t want their donations to end up in the coffers of the nation’s largest abortion provider. This charity includes awareness of the importance of nutrition helping to fight cancer, visit coffeeenemas.net to learn more about this and learn how can help to fight cancer.
Sexist Ad Roils Women in the UK
Although there can never be a “right” way to advertise for emergency contraception, an advertisement by a British sexual health clinic could not have gotten it more wrong by featuring a sky-high stiletto and tube of lipstick alongside a pink pacifier while asking the question, “Would you give up this for this?”
Prayer and Work
September 17
“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
-St. Augustine
Surrender Without Reservation
September 16
“This is a serious warning cry: Surrender without reservation to the Lord who has called us. This is required of us so that the face of the earth may be renewed.”
-St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for Us!
This Saturday, September 15, join us as we pray the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows (or, the “Servite Rosary”) on Our Lady’s Feast Day in honor of the seven swords that pierced Her most precious heart.
To pray the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows:
In the Name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Pray the Act of Contrition, recognizing your role in Mary’s sufferings due to your sins.
Pray the Come, Holy Spirit Prayer
Announce the Sorrow, as listed below (each Sorrow will correspond with the Section)
Pray an Our Father
Pray seven Hail Mary’s (meditating on the “Sorrow”)
After completing the seventh section (praying an Our Father and seven Hail Mary’s, meditating on the seventh sorrow), you will end with a Glory Be.
The Seven Sorrows can be found below (and here).
The First Sorrow
The Prophecy of Simeon
Reading: Luke 2:25-35.
When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a “sword” (of sorrow) will pierce Mary’s soul.
The Second Sorrow
The flight into Egypt
Reading: Matthew 2:13-15.
When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.
The Third Sorrow
The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple
Reading: Luke 2: 41-50.
Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding Him at last — after agonizing sorrow — in the temple.
The Fourth Sorrow
Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross
Reading: Luke 23: 27-29.
As Jesus makes His way to Calvary, condemned to crucifixion, He meets His mother, Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags His own cross up the hill of His crucifixion.
The Fifth Sorrow
Mary at the foot of the cross
Reading: John 19: 25-30.
Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to him as He cries “I thirst.” She hears Him promise heaven to a thief and forgive His enemies. His last words, “Behold your mother,” charge us to look on Mary as our mother.
The Sixth Sorrow
Mary receives the body of Jesus
Reading: Psalm 130.
Jesus is taken down from the cross and His body is placed in Mary’s arms. The passion and death are over, but for His mother, grief continues. She holds His body in her arms.
The Seventh Sorrow
Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus
Reading: Luke 23: 50-56.
The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb. The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, awaiting the Resurrection.
Our Lady of Sorrows: Gentlest of Hearts, Pierced by a Sword
Today, the Church recalls this sobering truth: the life of Mary of Nazareth, although filled with many joys, was underscored with sorrows beyond our imagining. Traditionally, the list of the Sorrows of Our Lady is comprised of seven.
Bishop: No Natural Cause to Explain Weeping Statue
After the first phase of an investigation into the cause of statue of the blessed mother that has been weeping oil since May, a New Mexico bishop says they have found no natural cause to explain the phenomenon.
Take them by the Hand
September 14
“To convert somebody go and take them by the hand and guide them.”
-St. Thomas Aquinas
