TRUST IN THE POWERUL INTERCESSION OF OUR LADY

Since we are so little (incapable, incompetent . . . really: nothing), we are in need of help. Thankfully, we have been given free access to all the help we need. We have been given the wondrous gift of a Mother who is completely kind, ever merciful, and all-powerful with God. God clearly foresaw our ineptitude to walk on the Way (which is Christ) to our Goal (our Father in Heaven), and so He has given us His Mother to be our own Mother, so that she (who is so filled with the Holy Spirit) may embrace us in our weakness and carry us along. Truly, she is the Mediatrix of all Graces, mediating the Grace of God to us her little ones.

Perhaps an analogy could help this truth to sink deeper into our hearts. In my growing up family, my dad was the “breadwinner.” My mom, though, was completely free—and even encouraged—to withdraw from their joint bank account any amount she wanted, for whatever purpose she wanted.

“If you ever feel distressed during your day—call upon our Lady—just say this simple
 prayer: ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.’ I must admit—this 
prayer has never failed me.”   —Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta"

 My father trusted her completely; they were a team. We could apply this to our Lord and our
 Blessed Mother Mary. They are “co-signers” on the “Heavenly Bank Account” (the Graces of Redemption). Our Lady is free—and even encouraged by our Lord—to “withdraw” and distribute Graces and Blessings as she sees fit, to help us on our journey to our true Home: Heaven. And
the Grace she is most particularly pleased to grant, to those who humbly request it of her, is a
deeper union and a closer intimacy with the Sacred Heart of her Son Jesus, who is truly present
in the Eucharist.

Sweet Blessed Virgin Mary, I turn to you as your very poor little child, weak and wounded in 
many ways, asking your compassionate assistance. I trust that our Merciful Lord will not 
deny you anything . . . especially since you never denied Him anything! Therefore, I 
humbly yet confidently lay before you all my needs and concerns. In particular, I give 
you this burden which weighs so heavily upon my heart: ________________. Thank 
you in advance, dear Mother, for hearing this prayer and answering it. Please help me to 
continue to grow in my trust in your powerful intercession, and the Lord’s tender Love, 
which is manifested in a particular way through the gift He gave us of YOU!

—By Fr. Francis of the Redeemer

SEEK GOD IN YOUR HEART AND SPREAD THAT LOVE TO OTHERS

It’s important for everyone to open their eyes and see what’s going on slowly in this world. We just seem to ignore what’s going on because it’s easier that way. We don’t talk about it because we are scared of what people might say or think about us. I know it’s hard because we don’t want weird looks. But, if you love God, then spread his truth boldly but in a way that is loving. Jesus said in the Bible if we witness to others they may turn way from you and you may become a mockery just like what happened to Jesus. But that doesn’t mean to not do it. Your heart and mind must be right if you love God. We will all stand before him. Everyone. It’s important that we are saved and seek God for truth. His spirit is the only one that can lead you. No other. Most of us just go on and focus on the enjoyment that the world has to offer and follow what everyone else is doing. They will not help us go to heaven or improve our relationship with Him. Do we make time to seek God and have a relationship him? Or do we just think about Him when we are going through something. Going to church everyday will not save you. Quoting bible verses in your head will not save you. In fact, just calling on him once in a while will not. It has to be a real relationship. We should always be communicating to Him constantly, reading His word, and asking Him to help understand the truth in his word. Not waiting for a pastor or priest to do it for us. They are human. The Holy Spirit must lead you into it. I wanted to share this with everyone and offer what I have to say. I care for everyone’s souls and well being and hope everyone can see the real God. So turn away from whatever is leading you the wrong way. If you truly seek God in your heart, not emotionally but mindfully, repent (turn away) and do not fall back into old and sinful habits. Be true in your relationship with God. Having. a personally relationship with my creator is the best thing that has happened to me. God bless everyone and have a blessed day. ❤️🙏🏻

THE HOLY FAMILY PRAYER

The Holy Family Prayer

JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.

JOSEPH, Foster-father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THOSE MOURNING THE LOSS OF A CHILD

Today, we pray for families grieving the loss of a child...

“God, bring comfort and peace. Peace is your essence. Peace is your name. Bring peace to this family who has lost their precious child in death.

We come to you, God because we know that you sorrow, and are acquainted with grief. You too have endured the loss of a child. You empathize.We can’t help but ask, “Why?” Forgive our insistence, our confusion, even our anger. We believe that you are just, and we ache to understand how this tragic death is an expression of that justice, how it expresses your love. We also know – in our minds at least – that you seldom answer the “why?” question. We press you, but on these matters you are mostly silent.

What we ask instead is “how?” How can we move forward? How can this bring us together and not tear us apart? How can we now live under the shadow of this untimely death? Answer this prayer with your comfort and guidance.

There is no way to remove the pain. The grief is real. The only sanity is to know, to believe, in a life beyond with you, when all the scales are righted and the sufferings are made good. We trust you and your promise that while this child’s life on earth is done, his life beyond has just begun. With that release we lose him and let him go into your arms, then by faith receive in return the boundless comfort of your presence. That is all, that is enough. In Jesus Name and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.”

ADVENT CANDLES AND THEIR MEANING

Candle  for Advents and their meaning

What is an Advent?

Advent, which begins the Church’s liturgical year, began on Sunday, December 3. Advent encompasses the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas.

The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas

Types of Candles for Advent:

The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. One candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”