FASTING IS WHAT YOU GIVE UP FOR LENT

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, most notably by the public imposition of ashes.

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, most notably by the public imposition of ashes.

There is a strong biblical base for fasting, particularly during the 40 days of Lent leading to the celebration of Easter. Jesus, as part of his spiritual preparation, went into the wilderness and fasted 40 days and 40 nights, according to the Gospels. 

Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with only one simple meal during the day, usually without meat.

1. Refrain from eating meat (bloody foods) on all Fridays in Lent, substituting fish for example.
2. Eliminate a food or food group for the entire season. Especially consider saving rich and fatty foods for Easter.
3. Consider not eating before receiving Communion in Lent.
4. Abstain from or limit a favorite activity (television, movies, etc.) for the entire season, and spend more time in prayer, Bible study, and reading devotional material.

WHAT SHOULD I GIVE UP FOR LENT? MEAT? SWEETS? CHOCOLATE? ICE CREAM? BEVERAGES? MEAT?

Many of us try to be more disciplined for Lent and give up something that we really like. That’s great! Fasting has always been an important tradition of Lent. This year however, let us also consider other things that we can give up.

*Give up complaining* – _ Focus on gratitude_

Philippians 2:14–15 – ‘Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure…’

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – ‘Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ’.

*Give up bitterness* – _ Turn to forgiveness_

Ephesians 4:31 – ‘Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice’.

Ephesians 4:32 – ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you’.

*Give up worry* – _Trust in God_

Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… who by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Matthew 6:33 – ‘But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’.

*Give up discouragement* – _ Be full of hope_

Deuteronomy 31:8 – ‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you: he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged’.

Isaiah 40:31 – ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint’.

*Give up hatred* – _ Return good for evil_

1 John 2:9 – ‘Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness’.

Luke 6:27 – “But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

*Give up anger* – _ Be more patient_

Matthew 5:22 – ‘But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment’.

Proverbs 15:18 – ‘A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel’.

*Give up gossiping* – _Control your tongue_

Psalm 34:13 – ‘Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies’.

Proverbs 21:23 – ‘He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity’.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE HOLY ROSARY AND THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET IN OUR LIVES AS CHRISTIANS

In 1917 , our Blessed Mother showed the vision of hell to the 3 children. She told them that they saw hell where poor sinners went because no one prayed and offered sacrifices for them. She taught us through the children the prayer to be said after every decade of the Holy Rosary...o my Jesus forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell..... Jesus responded to our prayers in a new form of prayer for MERCY called the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to save many souls, our own souls, the souls of our love ones, the souls of all sinners before Christ comes as a just judge. Let us therefore pray the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily and devoutly. We can continue praying these in the coming persecution of the Catholic Church, God forbid when Holy Masses may be outlawed by our persecutors....as our Lord said to St Peter that the gates of he'll will not prevail against the Holy Catholic Church. We trust that the Catholic Church will triumph through the TRIUMPH of the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of the Most Blessed Mother. But our Blessed Mother and Jesus need our cooperation.

Reminder From The Message Of Our Lady Of Fatima To the 3 children

On the Third Apparition on Fatima, July 13, 1917, Our Lady said:

"I want you to continue to pray the Rosary every day in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary, in order to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war, because only she can help you."

"Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times, especially when you make some sacrifice: O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

"You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace.”

 “‘O MY JESUS, FORGIVE US OUR SINS AND SAVE US FROM THE FIRE OF HELL. LEAD ALL SOULS TO HEAVEN, ESPECIALLY THISE WHO ARE MOST IN NEED OF YOUR MERCY.’"

Lessons from Lourdes: Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette

May Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for everybody who watches and shares this video. St. Bernadette, pray for us.

SAY THIS 7 POWERFUL PRAYERS DAILY TO MARY

The Blessed Virgin Mary loves these seven prayers so much that it will please Her if you say them daily.

1. The Fatima Prayer

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.

2. Ave Maria

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death.
Amen.

3. Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone,
who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins my Mother.

To you do I come,
before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in your clemency,
hear and answer me. Amen.

4. Sub Tuum Praesidium

We fly to Thy protection,
O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions
in our necessities,
but deliver us always
from all dangers,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Amen.

5. Dedication to Mary, our Mother

Pray for us ever, Holy Mother of God.
Pray for us, whatever be our cross,
as we pass along our way.
Pray for us, and we shall rise again,
though we have fallen.
Pray for us when sorrow,
anxiety or sickness comes upon us.
Pray for us when we are prostrate
under the power of temptation.

(By Cardinal John Henry Newman)

6. Acclamations in honour of the Mother of Christ

Mary the Dawn – Christ the Perfect Day;
Mary the Gate – Christ the Heavenly Way!
Mary the Root – Christ the Mystic Vine;
Mary the Grape – Christ the Sacred Wine!
Mary the Stem – Christ the Rose, blood-red;
Mary the Wheat – Christ the Living Bread!
Mary the Fount – Christ the Cleansing Flood;
Mary the Cup – Christ the Saving Blood!
Mary the Temple – Christ the Temple’s Lord;
Mary the Shrine – Christ the God adored!
Mary the Beacon – Christ the heaven’s Rest;
Mary the Mirror – Christ the Vision Blest!
Mary the Mother – Christ the Mother’s Son;
By all things bless’d while endless ages run!

7. Salve Regina

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
hail our life our sweetness and our hope.
To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to you do we send up our sighs, mourning
and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy towards us;
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Protect your servants, Lord, and keep us in peace.
As we trust in the intercession of the
Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints,
keep us safe from every danger
and bring us to everlasting life
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

TO BE PREPARED FOR DEATH

PRAYERS TO SAINT VALENTINE

Blessing to Magnetize True Love

May your life be filled with the blessings of love.
May the spiritual bond that unites you
with your soulmate draw your closer.
When you find one another, may your lives be enriched.
And may you be connected body, mind, heart and soul.
May your two lives soon be joined.
And May God bless your union in all ways.



Soulmate Prayer

Dear God, Loving Essence of all there is. Please fill me with your sacred presence.
I ask for your Love and Guidance and for your blessings
As I explore the deep reaches of my heart I ask for you assistance
In releasing that which stands in the way of true love.
My heart is pure; my intentions clear. Please bring to me my most perfect partner.
I seek a partner who enhances me by his/her very being.
who brings more love, joy, peace and prosperity to my life,
Who I can love fully and who can fully receive my love,
Who loves, honors and cherishes me completely, and always.
May my heart be open and my head be clear.
May my life be ready to welcome True love.
May I be embraced in a circle of your love
An uplifted by your grace. And so it is.

I Am Ready for Love

Dear God, I am ready to have a relationship with a wonderful person, who truly gets me, loves me, adores me, and is ready to build a life with me. I know in my heart there is a special person out there for me.

My name is written across her heart. Please put me on the right track toward true love.

and lead me to a place of committed love. I am willing to work on myself and To make myself ready for love.

Please grant me the power to look at love through spiritual eyes, And to remain sincere about finding the relationship I have longed for.

Prayer To Saint Valentine

Dear Lord, who art high in the Heavens,

Giver of Love and Passion,
And He who strings the heart's cords,
Lead the Lovers this day, February ten plus four.
The day during the month of two,
When the date is the perfect number of God
Greater two souls and two hearts.
Some Loves are fleeting ,
But that which is built on you will never fail.
So guide the Lovers to know what is to be. 
Your truths the Lovers' mouths should speak,
For Your truth is that which is honest to the heart.
Only this, then, should pass over the red lips of the Lovers.
Your art, the Lovers simply a medium.
It is only with True Hearts that You can create a Masterpiece,
So let the Lovers remember that their Soul's Desire
Is the one for which You light their Fire.
And let it be You who creates the Art of the Lovers;
The art of two into one.

Amen.