Articles For Heart Mind Soul

Mosaic of Sts. Joachim and Anne  by Rev. Marko Rupnik DVD Resource on Sexual Difference Set for Release First of Five Videos in New Initiative Effort Crucial to New Evangelization, says Archbishop Kurtz WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for the Defense of Marriage has launched a new initiative for the protection of marriage, entitled Marriage: Unique for a Reason. The initiative is to help catechize and educate Catholics on the meaning of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The launch comes with the release of the first of five videos. The first video is called Made for Each Other and includes a Viewer’s Guide and Resource Booklet . It explores sexual difference and the complementarity between man and woman as husband and wife in marriage. Later videos will treat the good of children, the good of society and what constitutes discrimination, religious liberty, and issues particular to a Latino/a audience. “The Committee’

Benedict XVI: "May Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, be always foremost in your thoughts and affections, the sweet comfort of your souls, the safeguard of your wills and the guide to your steps, the persuasive inspiration of the imitation of Jesus Christ."

http://www.rosaryforthebishop.org/ Madison, Wis., Jun 29, 2010 ( CNA ).- Thursday, July 1, marks six months since the inauguration of the Rosary for the Bisho p campaign, an online website that encourages the faithful to pray for bishops across the U.S. and around the world. The prayer campaign began in 2005 in Madison, Wisconsin, where an online effort was made to collect prayers for Bishop Robert Morlino of the Diocese of Madison. On January 1, 2010, the project was expanded to include all U.S. bishops, and it has since grown to incorporate those from other countries as well. "At the beginning of 2010, we launched Rosary for the Bishop for all U.S. bishops," said Tom Reitz, one of the website's administrators. "We kept getting emails from people saying 'can you please add the bishops of my country?' So we did,” Reitz said. “Now the service is available for bishops in the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Gibraltar, South Africa, Australia, New Zea

DAY 9 — Sunday, June 27 Today we mark the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time as we begin the ninth and final day of Solemn Novena prayer with an intention and prayer to St. Jude. We are so grateful for this time to offer our petitions to St. Jude. Intention to St. Jude: St. Jude, with confidence, hope, and a grateful heart I conclude these nine days of healing prayer. Bring hope in the midst of suffering. Help me to retain the hope in our Lord that sustained you in your earthly life. On this final day of the Novena, may everything that I am bring glory to God, and lead me closer to you, my ever-loving friend.

DAY 8 — Saturday, June 26 Today we pray for spiritual growth as we begin the eighth day of Solemn Novena prayer. Intention to St. Jude: St. Jude, place a spark of hope in my heart, and ignite in me a fire burning with love of God. Bless me in my work today. Help me to forgive readily and to know and do God’s holy and true will.

By Katherine Jass Lopez For Today’s Catholic Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Fatima. Our Lady of the Miracle. Our Lady of Lourdes. She is known by many names; been known to have appeared to one or more believers, but simply put, she is Mary, the mother of Christ. Young adults gathered to learn more of the incredible life and mystery of our Mother Mary and how we can invite her to be a part of our faith journey at Theology on Tap on March 25 at the Blue Star Brewery located at 1414 South Alamo. Father Bob Hogan, BBD, associate liaison to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and National Service Committee member, engaged the YA’s in a discussion “Mary 2010 — Who is Mary?” The date of the discussion was particularly foretelling. “It is a joy to be with you this evening and a special blessing that we are discussing Mary on this date. Today is very appropriate for our talk and it is the Feast of the Annunciation of Mary when the Angel Gabriel came to Mary to tell her she was going to

Catholic University of America (CUA), Bishops Conference Collaborate on Online Resource A new educational website created by CUA and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) chronicles the Church’s role since the early 20th century in providing social services and advocacy for immigrants challenged over the years by racial prejudice and entry quotas based on ethnic background. Called “ U.S. Catholic Bishops and Immigration ,” the site features primary documents and historical photographs detailing the American Catholic immigration experience that aren’t available anywhere else on the Internet. “The bishops have long been committed to helping immigrant communities, both through the provision of services and through tireless advocacy on their behalf.” The new immigration site includes information about the founding in 1921 of the bishops’ Bureau of Immigration, which provided resources for immigrants struggling with the language barrier, variations in liturgical

DAY 7 — Friday, June 25 Today we give ourselves over to trust in God as we begin the seventh of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer to St. Jude. Intention to St. Jude: St. Jude, ask our loving God to fill me with the grace to accept whatever may lie ahead for me and my loved ones, and to strengthen my faith in God’s healing power.

By Denis Grasska Catholic News Service SAN DIEGO (CNS) -- In early June, Newt Gingrich and his wife, Callista, were in Warsaw, Poland, and then Rome for the debut of their new documentary, "Nine Days That Changed the World." It chronicles Pope John Paul II's nine-day pilgrimage to Poland in 1979 and examines the event's significant role in the fall of Soviet communism. The couple made the documentary "almost as an act of devotion," Gingrich said. Newt and Callista Gingrich were married in 2000. A lifelong Catholic, Callista sings in the professional choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Newt Gingrich entered the Catholic Church in late March 2009. "I had been originally raised as a Lutheran and had become a Baptist," he said, "but then over the last nine years, I had found myself more and more attracted to the church. "And I don't think I made a decision to convert," h

DAY 6 — Thursday, June 24 On this sixth of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer we remember the birth of St. John the Baptist as we offer our prayers together. Intention to St. Jude: St. Jude, bless my spirit with the determination to press on. Give my heart patience and fortitude. Help me to know that God’s plan for me is forged out of love.

Rome, Italy, June 24, 2010 ( EWTN News/CNA ) The Holy Father left the Apostolic Palace on Thursday morning to bless a statue of Mary perched on a hill just a short distance north of the Vatican. While blessing the statue and venerating Mary, he commented on the importance of charity as the "best apologist for the Catholic faith" and as a tangible expression of God’s love. The purpose of the Pope’s visit was to bless the newly restored statue of Mary which fell and broke into three pieces during a heavy storm last October. The enormous figure, known locally as the “Madonnina,” was erected in Rome’s Monte Mario quarter in 1953 in thanksgiving for answered prayers for a peaceful transition from Nazi rule of the city during the Second World War. Addressing those present at the “Don Orione” Center where the statue is located, Pope Benedict recognized the homage it gives to Mary and its role in making her present in the daily lives of the people from its perch high above the

DAY 5 — Wednesday, June 23 Today we begin the fifth of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer with St. Jude. This day we remember all those for whom we have promised to pray. Intention to St. Jude: St. Jude, pray for those who come to you in faith. Intercede on our behalf as we place our deepest needs in your hands. Intercede for our suffering, and for the sufferings of war, sickness, and heartache throughout the world.

Rome, Italy, Jun 20, 2010 ( CNA ).- Following the popular video in which he recounts how his mother ignored the advice of doctors to have an abortion, tenor Andrea Bocelli said he does not want his testimony to be considered as merely anti-abortion, but also in support of life. “Because of my personal convictions as a devout Catholic, I am not only fighting against something, I am fighting for something - and I am for life,” he told the Italian newspaper, Il Foglio. Bocelli said he wants his video “to help comfort those who are in difficult situations and who sometimes just need to feel that they are not alone. Life is hard, but we need to listen, we need to open our ears” to embrace them. Bocelli said he has been surprised by the calls he has received following the video. “I said those things a year and a half ago in a video message for Father Richard Frechette, a missionary who works with children in Haiti and deserves to have a book written just about him. I gave a concert to

DAY 4 — Tuesday, June 22 On this fourth of nine days of Solemn Novena prayer, we join together in the belief that there is power in praying with and for one another’s petitions. Intention to St. Jude: St. Jude, help us to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God and those who, through our sins, we have hurt or turned away.

Catholic Digest Think you’ve never experienced God in your life? Here are six ways you may have. By James Martin, SJ, a Jesuit priest. His new book is The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything (HarperOne). Incompletion “Is that all there is?” sang Peggy Lee in the 1960s. “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for,” sang Bono in the 1980s. Your wish for “something more” may be a sign of your desire for God’s fulfilling presence. Gratitude Feeling thankful for something simple, like a conversation with a friend? Or a fun night out? Awareness of simple gifts can point to your underlying awareness of God’s goodness. Longing Ever stand on a beach, look at a sunset, or hold a newborn infant and feel a “connection” with something beyond yourself? Experiences like this, in nature and in daily life, can reveal your natural desire for God — which is one way God attracts us. Holiness When you read about holy men and women — Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Martin Luther King, the D

DAY 3 — Monday, June 21 St. Jude, I am anxious about many things. On this third day of our Novena, and the first day of summer, bring peace and calm to my heart. Intention to St. Jude: Help me to discover God’s blessings through your company, St. Jude, so that my journey of faith will be strengthened by the power of our unified prayers and the mercy of our loving God.

Letters From a Young Catholic Father, Creator of all, thank You for summer! Thank you for the warmth of the sun and the increased daylight. Thank You for the beauty I see all around me and for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy Your creation. Thank You for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family, and for the more casual pace of the summer season. Draw me closer to You this summer. Teach me how I can pray no matter where I am or what I am doing. Warm my soul with the awareness of Your presence and light my path with Your Word and Counsel. As I enjoy Your creation, create in me a pure heart and a hunger and a thirst for You. Amen.

DAY 2 — Sunday, June 20 Today we honor our fathers as we celebrate the second of nine days of the Solemn Novena and we come together in prayer with a special intention to St. Jude. Intention to St. Jude: St. Jude, bless our fathers with health, wisdom, and courage; hold our beloved departed fathers close to you in heaven. St. Jude, pray for our fathers and all who have shaped our lives.

By Mary Fairchild, About.com Guide 1 Chronicles 29:17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity ... Deuteronomy 1:29-31 Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." Joshua 1:9 ...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Malachi 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse. Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and

June 20 – July 4, 2010 With missionary priests and seminarians of the Missionaries of the Nativity of Mary (MNM) and with members of the Legion of Mary from Houston, Texas Mission Program - Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. - Rosary at Dawn and Lauds (Lauds is a divine office that takes place in the early morning hours and is part of the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours.) 5:00 p.m. - Children's Mission 7:00 p.m. - Holy Mass 8:00 p.m. - Youth & Adults (Youth meet in the Gym & Adults meet in the Church) Three (3) Mission Sectors: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Study Center, Val Verde, San Juan Diego

Seven Promises for Catholic Men by Richard Rohr, O.F.M., and Joseph Martos "In my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church...." (Colossians 1:24b) 1. I promise to seek Jesus as my teacher, my model and the goal of my life. Without a Lord I am burdened with trying to be my own (see Colossians 1:24). 2. I promise to seek union with the eternal Christ, who is both hidden and revealed in all people, and in all created things, especially in those who are wounded, rejected or outside my limited worldview (see Hebrews 13:2). 3. I promise to pursue vital relationships with a few other men as the basic building block of the mystery of Church (see Matthew 18:20). 4. I promise to pursue a regimen of spiritual disciplines in my life, a gospel ethic in my private and my professional life, and unpaid service toward the needs of my community (see Matthew 6). 5. I promise to support the mission of my parish, to

DAY 1 — Saturday, June 19 Today we center ourselves in peace as we begin nine days of Solemn Novena prayer. St. Jude listens to our prayers, and offers us hope when we become weary. Intention to St. Jude: St. Jude, my companion and friend, on this first day of our journey in prayer together, open the eyes of my heart to the beauty and goodness that surround me, so that I may see God’s loving Providence at work in the events of this day.

Encouragepriests.org

For our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI R. Lord, give him your Heart of the Good Shepherd. For the successors of the Apostles R. Lord, give them fatherly concern for their priests. For your Bishops chosen by the Holy Spirit R. Lord, keep them close to your sheep. For your Pastors R. Lord, teach them to serve rather than to seek to be served. For confessors and spiritual directors R. Lord, make them docile instruments of your Spirit. For those who announce Your Word R. Lord, let them communicate your Spirit and Life. For those who help the lay apostolate R. Lord, encourage them to give witness. For those who work with the youth R. Lord, may they commit the youth to you. For those who work among the poor R. Lord, make them see and serve you in them. For those who care for the sick R. May they teach them the value of suffering, Lord. For poor priests R. Help them, Lord. For sick priests R. Heal them, Lord. For elderly priests R. Give them joyful hope, L

WORLDWIDE ROSARY RELAY 19 June 2010 Times are shown in GMT Joyful Mysteries Australia 01.00 Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians, Brisbane. 1. The Annunciation We pray that every priest may hear and live God's word. Japan 02.00 Shrine of Our Lady of Akita. 2. The Visitation We pray that every priest may bear Christ to others. Philippines 03.00 Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Manila. 3. The Nativity We pray that every priest may proclaim Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Sri Lanka 04.00 Shrine of Our Lady of Matara. 4. The Presentation We pray that every priest may possess deep faith in the Sacraments. India 05.00 Shrine of Our Lady of Health, Velankanni. 5. The Finding in the Temple We pray for our own bishop(s), priests and deacons. Sorrowful Mysteries Levant and Middle East 06.00 1. The agony in the Garden We pray that every priest may be steadfast in prayer. South Africa 07.00 Shrine of Our Lady of Ngome. 2. The Scourging at the Pillar We pray t

Catholic News Service Blog New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond has applauded Louisiana legislators for declaring a day of prayer for recovery from the oil spill June 20. “This is a public sign of our humble dependence upon God,” he said in a June 17 statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those killed in the explosion. Likewise we offer prayerful consolation to their families and friends,” he said. “The oil spill has very challenging effects on many people in our community, epecially the fishing industry, oil industry and related works. We also need to be attentive to the impact on our environment and economy.” He urged all to pray to God for reassurance and “to walk with us in this very challenging time.” “We pray that: we may not lose hope; we will persevere in tough times; we will see God’s compassion and love in these trying circumstances; God will lead scientists and engineers to a permanent solution soon; we will bear this cross with trust; we will reach out in

USCCB MEDIA BLOG THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2010 In the past week, the U.S. bishops responded not once, but twice to the tragic situation in the Gulf of Mexico that's been unfolding since the April 20 explosion of an oil rig, resulting in what's now being termed as the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. The bishops have offered a response with multiple layers and a broad scope that reflects the richness of Catholic life and teaching. Bishop J. Kevin Boland of Savannah, bishop promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea , made the announcement that the Apostleship of the Sea was establishing a network to work with dioceses along the Gulf Coast. In his message, he cites the work of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, who have already provided direct assistance to thousands of people affected by the oil spill, mostly fishermen and their families, with food, gift cards, counseling, monetary relief and other assistance. Giving to Catholic Charities in New Orle

A rod in my hands will keep away an angry dog. A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea. It depends whose hands it's in. A slingshot in my hands is a kid's toy. A slingshot in David's hand is a mighty weapon. It depends whose hands it's in. Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches. Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in Jesus' hands will feed thousands. It depends whose hands it's in. Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse. Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will Produce salvation for the entire world. It depends whose hands it's in. As you see now, it depends whose hands it's in. So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God's hands because... It depends whose hands it's in. This message is now in YOUR hands. What will YOU do with it?

June 10 - 13: Teen ACTS Retreat at Indianhead Ranch Sponsored by Sacred Heart Church in Del Rio, Texas June 10 - 13: Teen ACTS Retreat at HEB Camp Sponsored by St. Joseph Church in Del Rio, Texas      

Chapter 17: THE SOULS OF OUR DEPARTED LEGIONARIES The end of the campaigning has come and a legionary lies nobly dead. Now at last he is confirmed in legionary service. Through all eternity he will be a legionary, for the Legion has shaped that eternity for him. It has been the fibre and the mould of his spiritual life. Moreover, the might of the united petition, uttered daily and earnestly by active members and auxiliaries alike, that the Legion should reassemble without the loss of any one, has helped him through the dangers and the difficulties of the long way. What a joyful thought for all legionaries - on his account and on their own! But for the moment, there is sorrow at the loss of friend and comrade, and there is need of prayer so that the deliverance of the departed soldier from the realm of Purgatory may be speedily accomplished. The praesidium should without delay have a Mass offered for the soul of each one of its active members who may die; and each member of that pr

As the World Cup takes place in South Africa, the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has organized an International Soccer Peace Tournament to help bring together different socioeconomic groups. “We’ve organized a parallel World Cup, to compliment the official one, with the soccer teams from all the realities of South Africa, from the townships to the more affluent neighborhoods,” said conference spokesman Antoine Soubrier. “In the last tournament, there were white South Africans who set foot for the first time in a township. And the results are very positive. We place much hope in this initiative to promote peace and understanding among all.”

NEW YORK, JUNE 10, 2010 ( Zenit.org ) - Next week, a worldwide rosary relay event will unite participants around the globe to pray for priests. The June 19 event, sponsored by Worldpriest , will begin in Brisbane, Australia, and will continue at Marian shrines through Japan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, the Levant and the Middle East, South Africa, Bosnia, Italy, Poland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, England, Mexico, Argentina, Canada and the United States. The faithful are invited to participate by praying a decade of the rosary for priests at a scheduled time, thereby marking the end of the Year for Priests with a 24-hour prayer relay. Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, Ireland, episcopal advisor to Worldpriest, affirmed the "great potential" of this event, which "will bring many spiritual benefits to all involved." Worldpriest planned this relay as "an opportunity for us to raise our hearts to God for

Movie: La Ultima Cima - The Last Summit Madrid, Spain, Jun 10, 2010 ( EWTN News )Share Despite opening on only four screens in the entire country this past weekend, the movie “The Last Summit” about the life of Father Pablo Dominguez was number one at the box office in Spain. The surprise success means the film will now expand to 50 screens across the country. “Some 6,000 people have already seen the film by Juan Manuel Cotelo despite it being shown on only four screens in all of Spain and having to compete with blockbusters,” the studio said in a press release. The film’s producers thanked the public for their massive response in making the film number one in Spain. “It is somewhat surprising if you consider that it is a documentary whose star is simply a priest,” they stated. “Dozens of theaters have decided to sideline one of the 3D blockbusters in order to make room for The Last Summit,” the producers noted. On June 11 the film will open on 50 screens across Spain. More