July/August/September 2008
Newsletter No. 113
“What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our
eyes,
what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the word of life—
for the life was made visible” (1 Jn 1-2a).
“Salvation—deliverance from the reality of evil, and the gift of new life and
freedom in Christ—is at the heart of the Gospel. We need to discover, as I have
suggested, new and engaging ways of proclaiming this message and awakening a
thirst for the fulfillment which only Christ can bring. It is in the Church’s
liturgy, and above all in the sacrament of the Eucharist, that these realities
are most powerfully expressed and lived in the life of believers” (Pope Benedict
XVI, Address to Bishops, Washington, DC, April 16, 2008).
“There is another aspect of prayer which we need to remember: silent
contemplation. Saint John, for example, tells us that to embrace God’s
revelation we must first listen, then respond by proclaiming what we have heard
and seen (cf. 1 Jn 1:2-3; “Dei Verbum,” 1). Have we perhaps lost something of
the art of listening? Do you leave space to hear God’s whisper, calling you
forth into goodness? Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness,
listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey
as an unfolding of holiness” (Pope Benedict XVI, April 20, 2008, Address to
Youth and Seminarians, St. Joseph’s, Yonkers, NY).
The Hour That Makes My Day
Excerpts from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
The third reason I keep up the Holy Hour is to grow more and
more into his likeness. As Paul puts it: “We are transfigured into his
likeness, from splendor to splendor.” We become like that which we
gaze upon. Looking into a sunset, the face takes on a golden glow. Looking at
the Eucharistic Lord for an hour transforms the heart in a mysterious way as the
face of Moses was transformed after his companionship with God on the mountain.
Something happens to us similar to that which happened to the disciples at
Emmaus. On Easter Sunday afternoon when the Lord met them, he asked why they
were so gloomy. After spending some time in his presence, and hearing again the
secret of spirituality - “The Son of Man must suffer to enter into his Glory” -
their time with him ended and their “hearts were on fire.”
The purpose of the Holy Hour is to encourage deep personal encounter with
Christ. The holy and glorious God is constantly inviting us to come to
Him, to hold converse with Him, to ask for such things as we need and to
experience what a blessing there is in fellowship with Him....
Neither theological knowledge nor social action alone is enough to keep us in
love with Christ unless both are preceded by a personal encounter with him.
When Moses saw the burning bush in the desert, it did not feed on any fuel. The
flame, unfed by anything visible, continued to exist without destroying the
wood. So personal dedication to Christ does not deform any of our natural gifts,
disposition, or character; it just renews without killing. As the wood becomes
fire and the fire endures, so we become Christ and Christ endures.
I have found that it takes some time to catch fire in prayer. This has been one
of the advantages of the daily Hour. It is not so brief as to prevent the soul
from collecting itself and shaking off the multitudinous distractions of the
world. Sitting before the Presence is like a body exposing itself before the sun
to absorb its rays. Silence in the Hour is a tête-á-tête with the Lord. In those
moments, one does not so much pour out written prayers, but listening takes its
place. We do not say: “Listen, Lord, for Thy servant speaks,” but “Speak, Lord,
for Thy servant heareth.”
St. Elizabeth (Isabel), Wife, Mother, Queen of Portugal,
(1271-1336)—Feast, July 4
From her youth, St. Elizabeth’s life was centered on daily Mass and the
recitation of the Divine office. From the Holy Eucharist, she drew strength to
bring about peace between her husband and sons, who were often feuding. Our
Eucharistic Lord defended her virtue in the face of false calumny. Nourished by
the Real Presence of Jesus, St. Elizabeth cared for the poor and founded a
convent of Poor Clares. She later became a Third Order Franciscan.
Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Patron of World Youth Days,
Italy(1901-1925)—Feast, July 4
Pier Giorgio was a handsome and popular youth, who excelled in sports. He
promoted Eucharistic Adoration and Marian devotion, saying: “With all the
strength of my soul I urge you young people to approach the Communion table as
often as you can. Feed on this bread of angels whence you will draw all the
energy you need to fight inner battles. Because true happiness, dear friends,
does not consist in the pleasures of the world or in earthly things, but in
peace of conscience, which we have only if we are pure in heart and mind.”
St. Benedict, Priest, Founder of the Benedictines, Italy
(c.480-547)—Feast, July 11
St. Benedict (a name which means blessed) is the Patron of Europe and founder of
Western Monasticism. He became a hermit and wrote a rule of life when he was
asked to lead a community of monks. St. Benedict was strengthened by the Holy
Eucharist and died upon receiving his last Communion. Many miracles of
protection are attributed to the wearing and use of the St. Benedict’s medal
when it is blessed by a priest with Benedict’s blessing.
Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha, Consecrated Virgin, North
America(1656-1680)—Feast, July 14
“Every day she [Kateri] was seen to pass whole hours at the foot of the
altar, immovable, as if transported beyond herself. Her eyes often explained the
sentiments of her breast by the abundance of tears she shed... Often seeing her
benumbed with cold, I have sent her to the cabin to warm herself. She obeyed
immediately, but the moment after, returned to the church, and continued there
in long communion with Jesus Christ” (Fr. Cholenec).
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel—July 16
Lord God, you willed that the Order of Carmel, should be named in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of your Son, through her prayers as we honor her
today bring us to your holy Mountain, Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Pray the Rosary, wear
the Scapular!
St. Mary Magdalene (1st Century)—July 22
“With the children of Israel, I would sing in the fiery furnace; with Mary
Magdalene, I would cling to the foot of the cross; with John, I would plunge
into a cauldron of boiling oil; with the martyrs, I would drink the chalice of
bitterness and, if it were possible, die a thousand times daily for my God, so
good is the joy I feel in His Presence” (St. Margaret of Cortona).
Sts. Anne and Joachim, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Feast, July
26
This year marks the 350th anniversary of the building of the original Church,
which eventually grew into a Basilica, dedicated to St. Anne at de Beaupre, near
Quebec City. Numerous miracles were attributed to the intercession of the
Grandmother of Jesus over the centuries, which led to the growth of the Shrine.
Over 1.5 million pilgrims visit there yearly to worship Jesus in the Holy
Eucharist, join in the healing Blessed Sacrament procession, and ask Our Lady’s
mother to pray for them. St. Anne, intercede for us and our families!
St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest, Founder of Jesuits, Spain
(1491-1556)—Feast, July 31
St. Ignatius abandoned worldly glory and strived for perfect love of Christ. He
promoted frequent Holy Communion and spent long hours in daily prayer. He
founded the Society of Jesus, who took their vows before the Blessed Sacrament.
They travel worldwide teaching souls about the faith, administering the
sacraments, caring for the poor and all in need.
St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor, Italy (1696-1787)—Feast, Aug.
1
“We have always with us in this land of miseries our God made Man, who, by His
real presence, is with us all the days of our life, and comforts and helps us
with the greatest affection and compassion” (St. Alphonsus).
St. Peter Julian Eymard, Priest of the Eucharist, France
(1811-1868)—Feast, Aug. 2
“In the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament, what is there to regret, to
desire?” (St. Peter).
St. John Vianney, Cure of Ars, Patron of Priests, France
(1786-1859)—Feast, Aug. 4
“There is nothing so great, my children, as the Eucharist!” (St. John Vianney).
The Transfiguration of the Lord—Feast, Aug. 6
“It is good for us to be here” (Mk 9:5).
St. Dominic, Priest, Preacher, Dominicans Founder, Spain
(1170-1221)—Feast, Aug. 8
While offering Mass in the presence of the King and Queen in London, Dominic
went into ecstasy. When he was finally able to continue Mass, at the elevation
of the Holy Eucharist, the people saw the Infant Jesus instead of the Host and
the Mother of God surrounded by twelve stars! When the chalice was raised they
saw Christ on the Cross.
St. Teresa Benedicta, Carmelite Nun & Martyr, Germany
(1891-1942)—Feast, Aug. 9
“Each one must know, or get to know, where and how she can find peace. The best
way, when it is possible, is to shed all cares again for a short time before the
tabernacle”(St. Teresa)
St. Clare of Assisi, Foundress of Poor Clare Nuns, Italy
(1193-1253)—Feast, Aug. 11
“Were not St Francis and St Clare both ‘conquered’ by the Eucharistic Mystery?
In the Eucharist they experienced the love of God, that same love which, in the
Incarnation, impelled the Creator of the world to make himself little, indeed,
the smallest one and the servant of all” (Pope Benedict XVI, Dec. 14, 2006).
St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, Priest, Martyr, Poland, (1894-1941)—Feast,
Aug. 14
“When we come to the [Eucharistic Adoration] chapel, we gain for ourselves and
for others many graces” (St. Maximilian Kolbe).
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven—August 15
“Hail, holy Queen of Heavens,/Hail, holy Queen of Angels,/Hail, Root of
Jesse,/Hail, Gate of Heaven, By you the Light has entered the world./Rejoice,
glorious Virgin,/Beautiful among all women,/Hail, radiant Splendor,/Intercede
with Christ for us” (Lucien Deiss, C.S.S.Sp.).
St. Jane Frances, Widow, Mother, Religious, France (1572-1641)—Feast,
Aug. 18
Jane was a widow and mother of many children. Empowered by her Eucharistic love
she ministered to the sick and needy. Jane founded the “Order of the Visitation
of Our Lady.”
Pope St. Pius X, Pope of the Eucharist, Italy (1835-1914)—Feast, Aug.
21
“We meet around the tabernacle where Jesus remains in our midst until the end of
time; there the faith springs up anew in our hearts” (Pope St. Pius X).
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary—August 22
Mary, Queen of Clergy, pray for them to be faithful in love and service of Jesus
Eucharistic!
St. Rose of Lima, Nun, Mystic, Patroness of South America
(1586-1617)—Feast, Aug 23
From her youth,Rose attended daily Mass and spent hours in prayer before the
Blessed Sacrament.When her parents finally allowed her to become a Nun, she
became a Domincan in the footsteps of her patroness St. Catherine of Siena. Many
miracles are attributed to her.
St. Monica, Wife, Mother of St. Augustine, North Africa
(332-387)—Feast, Aug. 27
“Remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be” (St. Monica’s request
to her children).
St. Augustine, Bishop, Doctor of the Church, N. Africa,
(354-430)—Feast, Aug. 28
“We desired with all our hearts to drink from the streams of Your heavenly
fountain” (St. Augustine speaking of his mother St. Monica).
Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Missionary, Sister, (1910-1997),
Macedonia—Sept. 5
“We have ups and downs and sickness and suffering. That is part of the cross.
Anyone who imitates Him to the full must share in His passion also. That is why
we need prayer/that is why we need the Bread of Life, that is why we have
Adoration” (Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta).
Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Sept. 8
“Today this created world is raised to the dignity of a holy place for him who
made all things. The creature is newly prepared to be a divine dwelling place”
(St. Andrew of Crete).
St. Peter Claver, Jesuit Priest, Missionary (1581-1654) South
America—Sept. 9
St. Peter Claver willingly spent 40 years of his life aboard slave ships,
ministering to the needs of the people and converting 300,000 souls. He became
known as a defender and father to the fatherless, bringing the sacraments and
Jesus Eucharistic to those without hope.
Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Sept. 12—Blessed Be Thy Holy Name!
St. John Chrysostom, Bishop & Doctor of the Church, (c. 344-407),
Syria—Sept. 13
“O amiable Jesus, it is in this mystery of the Blessed Sacrament that Thy
charity has exerted itself in such a wonderful manner as to seem to send forth
all its flames. Praise, honor and glory forever to Thy goodness and mercy!” (St.
John Chrysostom).
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross—Sept. 14
“Hail, O cross, consecrated by the body of Christ, his members have made your
wood more noble than precious pearls” (Responsory). “Souls desiring to make
great progress in virtue quickly choose for their teacher and guide Jesus Christ
on the cross and in the Blessed Sacrament” (St. Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi).
Our Lady of Sorrows—Sept. 15: “Behold your Mother!” (Jn 19:27)
“Let us adore Christ, the Savior of the world, who called his mother to share in
his passion” (Invitatory). “With your substance you have fed that same Jesus who
every day gives me life, your life, O Mary, that very life which he owes you.
Every drop of his blood you gave him so that it should be mine. With your virgin
milk you fed him so that he might die on the Cross and open the gates of heaven
for me. My beloved Mother, it is to you, then, that I owe my happiness which I
enjoy in contemplating him” (Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, Servant of God).
St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Priest, Stigmatist, Mystic, (1887-1968),
Italy —Sept. 23
“Run to the feet of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament” (St. Padre Pio).
St. Vincent de Paul,Priest,CharitableMissions Founder(c.
1580-1660),France—Sept. 27
Spurred on by love of the Blessed Sacrament, St. Vincent started many houses to
care for the poor, converted souls, ministered to the sick and convicts, began a
hospital, conducted retreats, founded an order of priests and the Daughters of
Charity.
Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Saints—Sept. 29
St. Michael, protector of the Eucharist, pray for us! St. Gabriel bring us God’s
word! St. Raphael bring us God’s healing! Holy Archangels pray that we may adore
Jesus!
From the Congregation for Clergy’s Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests message:
“In his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation ‘Sacramentum
Caritatis,’ the Holy Father [Pope Benedict XVI] reproposes to us forcefully St
Augustine’s affirmation: ‘no one eats that flesh without first adoring it; we
should sin were we not to adore it’ (St. Augustine, ‘Enarrationes in Psalmos,’
98,9). We cannot live, we cannot look at the truth about ourselves without
letting ourselves be looked at and generated by Christ in daily Eucharistic
Adoration, and the ‘Stabat’ of Mary, ‘Woman of the Eucharist’, beneath her Son’s
Cross, is the most significant example of contemplation and adoration of the
divine Sacrifice that has been given to us.”
During the months of the Most Precious Blood, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and
Our Lady of Sorrows, we offer you the following meditations for your spiritual
enrichment:
“Mary was consumed with the desire to make Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
know to all. To obtain this favor, she passed her time at the foot of the
Blessed Sacrament in prayer and penance. In her limitless zeal, she embraced the
needs of the faithful everywhere, for all time to come. The mission dearest to
Mary's heart was that of constant prayer for the success of the preaching and
missionary labor of the apostles and all the members of Christ’s priesthood”
(St. Peter Julian Eymard).
Holy Hour Prayer
“By the remembrance of Mary
Immaculate, by the tears You shed in seeing her weep over Your absence and over
the ignominy of Your sorrowful Passion, we pray You, Jesus, to listen to the
supplication of mothers who help You to save souls by suffering for them at the
foot of the Cross. See with what ardent faith they implore the salvation of
their families. Hearken to those who acclaim You their beloved King at their
children’s cradle and their husband’s tomb. By those tears and prayers they ask
You for the decisive victory of Your Sacred Heart. They confide to that divine
Ark all the treasures of their love....
“Good Jesus, You have confided to them the souls
of their husbands and children; they have laid them with trusting love on the
altar of Your Sacred Heart. King of Mercy, during this Holy Hour remember Your
Blessed Mother as You certainly remembered her in the Garden of Gethsemane, and
in gratitude for her tenderness, as a reward for her sublime virtues, and as
compensation for her sorrows, save the home. Yes! Save the Christian family!
“Lord, if the prayer of a single mother had the
power to touch Your Heart and obtain the resurrection of her child, may the
supplications of so many sorrowing mothers obtain during this hour of
exceptional grace the salvation, still more, the sanctification of the family
sanctuary which You Yourself claimed as Your throne, O King of Love” (Fr. Mateo
Crawley- Boevey).
“I weep and mourn at the feet of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for often I’m
consoled” (St. Padre Pio).
“It is especially at the foot of the altar that one prays well. In all your
visits to our Savior, frequently offer His precious Blood to the Eternal Father.
You will find these visits very conducive to increase in you divine love” (St.
Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi).
“Never forget Jesus, this divine Model. Try to see a certain lovable majesty in
his [Eucharistic] Presence. Try to hear a certain pleasant authority in His
manner of speaking.. .. Imagine His extremely composed and sweet expression with
which He drew the crowds, making them leave cities and castles, leading them to
the mountains, to the forests, and to the solitude of the deserted beaches of
the sea. Imagine the crowds” following Him (Padre Pio).
START PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION IN YOUR PARISH TODAY!
Intentions: Please send us the names of your loved ones
and intentions to be remembered at daily Masses, Holy Hours of Adoration to
Jesus our Eucharistic Redeemer, and prayers:
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M.B.S., P.O. Box 1701, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 561-8193 www.ACFP2000.com
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