City
of Santa Fé, in New Mexico, USA.
A mystery of over 130 years and attracting around 250 thousand
visitors every year. Point of attention : Loretto Chapel
What makes this chapel different from all others is that the
subject of the supposed miracle that took place in it is a
Staircase....
SCRIPTURES
People Mark 1:40-45 And a leper came to him beseeching him, and kneeling said to him, If you will, you can make me clean. Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, I will; be clean. And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And he sternly charged him, and sent him away at once, and said to him, See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people. But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
On January 1, the Church commemorates the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God- the greatest title of Mary. This feast in the oldest Marian feast of the church of Rome and it celebrates Mary's vocation to be the mother of Jesus Christ. Through Mary, Jesus Christ entered this world, taking on human flesh and a human soul. Jesus is true God and true man. In His person are united both a divine nature and a human nature. Mary is in every history with Jesus and by her intercession we obtain all necessary graces to our life. Besides, being the Mother of God, Mary assumed the mother of all humanity working and helping all those who seek her. So when we look at the image of the Virgin Mary we felt an encouragement in our heart which fortifies our spirituality and comfort our soul. It is the fragrance of the immense and grandiose love.
Meanwhile, January 1 also marks the jubilation of the New Year and every faithful exchange new years greetings as an expression of hope for a peaceful new year. Along with this, the date has been designated as “World Day of Peace”. As a deep aspiration for peace, this particular day is reserved for intense prayer for peace, education towards peace and those values inextricably linked with it, such as liberty, fraternal solidarity, the dignity of the human person, respect for nature, the right to work, the sacredness of human life, and the denunciation of injustices which trouble the conscience of man and threaten peace.
For more information on the Solemnity of Mary, please click on the following links:
"This revolution in thought and morals has often flown the 'flag of freedom,' but in fact it has brought spiritual and material devastation to countless human beings, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.”
"It is also painful to see that the struggle against hunger and malnutrition is hindered by 'market priorities,' the 'primacy of profit', which have reduced food to a commodity like any other, subject to speculation, also of a financial nature. And while we speak of new rights, the hungry remain, in the street corner.”
Pope Francis sends message for 2015 World Day of the Sick
Pope Francis has issued a powerful message for the World Day of the Sick, which takes place on February 11th.
The Pope thanked those who care for thesick, adding that time spent with the ill, is sacred. He also calls for Catholics to embrace wisdom of the heart.
"Occasionally our world forgets the special value of time spent at the bedside of the sick, since we are in such a rush; caught up as we are in a frenzy of doing, of producing, we forget about giving ourselves freely, taking care of others, being responsible for others,” writes the Pope.
MEMORIAL OF ST. JOHN BOSCO - FRIEND OF THE YOUTH Pray and support Catholic Youth !
On January 31 the Church honors the Memorial of St. John Bosco-Friend of the Youth. He was called "Apostle of Youth" because he dedicated his life to the young people by organizing youth clubs, hostels, and boarding schools where he taught them. He founded the Salesian Society for the boys in 1854 which was named St. Francis de Sales. In 1872 he also founded the Salesian Sisters called Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians to work for girls.
St. John Bosco had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator. The educational philosophy of John Bosco can be condensed in three words: reason, religion, and kindness. The basic principle of his system was a deep understanding and love for young people and their problems.
Saint of the Week January 31
St. John Bosco is considered as the saint of the youth. Founder of Salesian Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth." His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator. Pope John Paul II named him "teacher and father to the young."
At age 14, he really wanted to be a priest because he wants the youth to understand their faith. He served a priest for its morning masses and the priest taught John Bosco Latin. But the young John Bosco needed to stop his lessons with the priest because he needed to work in a farm to help their family for a living. But he did not stop dreaming of becoming a priest until one day his uncle brought him to a school where he can fulfill his dream.
He is a patron saint of apprentices; boys; editors; young people; laborers; students and young people.
To know more about St. John Bosco, please click on the following links:
Jan 31st is the feast day of St John Bosco and we dedicate our parish evangelization work to him because he is the saint of the youth ! St John Bosco loved the youth, that is why he built so many schools. St Michael Center chose this date to dedicate our work to this great saint.
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FEAST OF STS. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS – SEPTEMBER 29th
The feast of the three archangels- Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael- will be commemorated on September 29.
St.
Michael whose name means "Who is like God" was the archangel who fought
against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of
God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil.
St. Gabriel which means "Strength of God" announced to Zachariah the
forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus.
His greeting to the Virgin, "Hail, full of grace," is one of the most
familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people. St Raphael
meaning "Medicine of God" is the archangel who took care of Tobias on
his journey.
Prayer links with the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, please click on the following links:
RomanRaccolta, July 23, 1898, supplement approved July 31, 1902,
London: Burnes, Oates & Washbourne Ltd., 1935, 12th edition.
Original - Prayer to St. Michael
"O
Glorious Prince of the heavenly host, St. Michael the Archangel, defend
us in the battle and in the terrible warfare that we are waging against
the principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of
darkness, against the evil spirits. Come to the aid of man, whom
Almighty God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and
redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of Satan.
"Fight
this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as
already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and
his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there
place for them any longer in Heaven. That cruel, ancient serpent, who is
called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into
the abyss with his angels. Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men
has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about
with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order
to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay and
cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal
glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom
of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of
lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity,
and of every vice and iniquity.
"These
most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness
the Church, the spouse of the immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious
hands on her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where
the See of Holy Peter and the Chair of Truth has been set up as the
light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable
impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been
struck, the sheep may be.
"Arise
then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost
spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate
thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her
defense against the malicious power of hell; to thee has God entrusted
the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to
the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered
that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the
Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they
may quickly find mercy in the sight of the Lord; and vanquishing the
dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again
make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations.
Amen.
V. Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered ye hostile powers.
R. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered the root of David.
V. Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord.
R. As we have hoped in Thee.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray.
O
God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name,
and as supplicants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of
Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious St.
Michael the Archangel, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and
all the other unclean spirits who wander about the world for the injury
of the human race and the ruin of souls. Amen."
Support
Our Ministry by enabling us to Evangelize to the Youth. Help us
spread the Gospel and increase devotion to Our Lady. Help us give
Hope and encourage others through prayer and love. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OUR MINISTRY
When humans lose touch with God, The Mother of Jesus Weeps.
Why is Our Lady weeping in Korea ?
Why she loves us and warns us.
http://www.marys-touch.com/
About Fr. Rookey's Passing - A Saintly Healing Priest
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fr. Peter M. Rookey, OSM.Fr. Peter died peacefully in his sleep in the overnight hours of September 9-10, 2014, at Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery, Chicago, IL. The friars of the community had gathered around his bed to offer prayers.Born in Superior, WI, October 12, 1916, he was ninety-seven years of age. He entered the Order at Hillside, IL, in 1930 and was a priest for seventy-three years. (VISIT http://www.servite.org/about/InternationalCompassionMinistry.aspx)
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
JANUARY 1 MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Today we begin our new year at the Eucharistic Celebration. We thank God for Mary, Jesus' mother, who brought the Savior into the world. Because she is the mother of Jesus, God's Son, she truly is the Mother of God.
JANUARY 2 ST. BASIL AND ST. GREGORY NAZIANZEN
Sts. Basil and Gregory were born in Asia Minor in the year 330. This area is modern-day Turkey. Basil's grandmother, father, mother, two brothers and a sister are all saints.
JANUARY 3 ST. GENEVIEVE St. Genevieve was born around 422 in Nanterre, a small village four miles from Paris. While still very young, she desired to devote her life to Jesus.
JANUARY 4
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON St. Elizabeth was called "Mother Seton" by everyone knew her by when she died on January 4, 1821, in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
JANUARY 5
ST. JOHN NEUMANN St. John Neumann was not only quiet, he was short-five feet, two inches tall. His eyes were very kind and he smiled a lot.
JANUARY 6
BLESSED ANDRE BESSETTE St. Alfred Bessette was born on August 9, 1845, not far from Montreal, Canada. He was the eighth of twelve children.
JANUARY 7
ST. RAYMOND OF PENYAFORT
St. Raymond was born between 1175 and 1180 in a little town near Barcelona, Spain. He was educated at the cathedral school in Barcelona and became a priest. .
JANUARY 8
ST. THORFINN
St. Thorfinn's life were discovered in details long after his death. He died in 1285, in a monastery in Belgium. Fifty years later, his tomb was accidentally opened during some construction work.
JANUARY 9
ST. JULIAN AND ST. BASILISSA
St. Julian and St. Basilissa were husband and wife. They lived in the early part of the fourth century.
JANUARY 10
ST. WILLIAM
St. William came from a wealthy French family. Even as a boy, he did not waste time fooling around or being idle.
JANUARY 11
ST. THEODOSIUS
St. Theodosius was born in Asia Minor in 423. As a young man, he set out on pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
JANUARY 12
ST. MARGUERITE BOURGEOYS
St. Marguerite was born in Troyes, France, on April 17, 1620, but spent most of her eighty years in Montreal, Canada.
JANUARY 13
ST. HILLARY OF POITIERS
St. Hilary was born into a pagan family on 315 in Poitiers, a town in France. His family was rich and well-known. Hilary received a good education.
JANUARY 14
ST. MACRINA
St. Macrina and her husband learned the high price of being true to their Christian beliefs.
JANUARY 15
ST. PAUL THE HERMIT
St. Paul was born into a Christian family in the year 229. They lived in Thebes, Egypt. Paul's parents showed him by their own lives how to love God and worship him with one's whole heart. Paul
JANUARY 16
ST. BERARD AND COMPANIONS
Six Franciscan friars accepted from St. Francis of Assisi an assignment to go to Morocco. They were to announce Christianity to the Muslims.
JANUARY 17
ST. ANTHONY OF EGYPT
St. Anthony was born in 251 in a small village in Egypt. When he was twenty years old, his parents died. They left him a large estate and placed him in charge of the care of his young sister.
JANUARY 18
BLESSED CHRISTINA
Blessed Christina lived in the sixteenth century. She was born in Abruzzi, Italy. Her baptismal name was Matthia. As she grew up, Matthia felt the call to a life of prayer and penance.
JANUARY 19
ST. CANUTE
St. Canute was a strong, wise king of Denmark. He lived in the eleventh century. Canute was a great athlete, an expert horseman, and a marvelous general.
JANUARY 20
ST. FABIAN AND ST. SEBASTIAN
St. Fabian was a pope who died a martyr in 250. It was during the persecution by Emperor Decius.
JANUARY 21
ST. AGNES
St. Agnes was a Roman girl who died in 304. She was just twelve years old when she suffered martyrdom for her faith.
JANUARY 22
ST. VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA
St. Vincent was martyred in Spain in 304. This was the same year that Agnes was martyred in Rome.
JANUARY 23
ST. JOHN THE ALMSGIVER
St. John was a dedicated Christian nobleman. He used his wealth and position to help poor people. After his wife passed away, John became a priest and bishop. In 608, he was consecrated the patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt.
JANUARY 24
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
St. Francis was born at the de Sales castle in Savoy, France, on August 21, 1567. His wealthy family provided him with an excellent education. By the age of twenty-four, Francis was a Doctor of Law.
JANUARY 25
CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL
St. Paul lived at the time of Jesus but as far as we know they never met. Paul was first called Saul. As a young man, he was a very bright student of the Hebrew religion.
JANUARY 26
ST. TIMOTHY AND ST. TITUS
St. Timothy was born in Lycaonia in Asia Minor. His mother was a Jew and his father was a Gentile.
JANUARY 27
ST. ANGELA MERICI
St. Angela was born in the small Italian town of Desenzano, Italy, around 1474. Her parents died when she was ten. She and her only sister, who was three years older, loved each other very much.
JANUARY 28
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
St. Thomas lived in the thirteenth century. He was the son of a noble family of Italy. He was very intelligent, but he never boasted about it. He knew that his mind was a gift from God.
JANUARY 29
ST. GILDAS
St. Gildas was born around the year 500 in Britain. He set out as a young man to practice a self-sacrificing lifestyle.
JANUARY 30
ST. BATHILDIS
St. Bathildis was a frightened, Christian English girl could have never imagined what her future would be like.
JANUARY 31
ST. JOHN BOSCO
St. John Bosco was born in Turin, Italy, on August 16, 1815. His parents were poor farmers. When John was two, his father died. John's mother struggled to keep the family together.
PHOTO
OF THE MONTH
Tour
of the Relics of the Passion (International Center
for Holy Relics) www.HolyRelics.org
St. Joseph
“Dear brothers and sisters, our meditation
on the human and spiritual journey of Saint Joseph invites
us to ponder his vocation in all its richness, and to see
him as a constant model for all those who have devoted their
lives to Christ in the priesthood, in the consecrated life
or in the different forms of lay engagement. Joseph was
caught up at every moment by the mystery of the Incarnation.
Not only physically, but in his heart as well, Joseph reveals
to us the secret of a humanity which dwells in the presence
of mystery and is open to that mystery at every moment of
everyday life. In Joseph, faith is not separated from action.
His faith had a decisive effect on his actions. Paradoxically,
it was by acting, by carrying out his responsibilities,
that he stepped aside and left God free to act, placing
no obstacles in his way. Joseph is a just man
(Mt 1:19) because his existence is adjusted
to the word of God.” Pope Bendict XVI, March 18,
2009
People 
"Fight
this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as
already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and
his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there
place for them any longer in Heaven. That cruel, ancient serpent, who is
called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into
the abyss with his angels. Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men
has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about
with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order
to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay and
cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal
glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom
of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of
lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity,
and of every vice and iniquity.
