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Sunday, July 6, 2014

Catholic News World : Sunday July 6, 2014 - Share!

 2014


Pope Francis at Sunday Angelus
06/07/2014





2014


Vatican Radio) Pope Francis prayed the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday. In remarks ahead of the traditional prayer of Marian devotion, the Holy Father focused on the Gospel reading of the day, taken from the Gospel according to St Matthew (11:25-30), in which The Lord proclaims, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

“This, Jesus’ invitation,” said Pope Francis, “extends to the present day, reaching the many brothers and sisters weighed down by poor living conditions, by difficult life situations and sometimes by a lack of valid points of reference.” Pope Francis went on to say that people who are suffering and even to the point of exhaustion due to the unbearable weight they bear of abandonment and indifference, are to be found in the poorest countries of the world and also in the richest countries, often in the peripheries and hinterlands of the places where the wealthiest dwell.
“On the margins of society,” he said, “there are many men and women worn down by poverty, but also by  dissatisfaction and frustration in life.” He spoke also of the many people, who are forced by circumstances to emigrate from their homelands, often at risk of their very lives. The Holy Father went on to speak of the great many others, who each day bear the burden of an economic system that exploits man, imposes an unbearable yoke, which the privileged few prefer not to carry. “To each of these sons of the Father who is in heaven,” said Pope Francis, “Jesus says, ‘Come unto me.’”
The Holy Father went on to explain that the Lord’s invitation is not only for the economically, politically and socially disadvantaged. It is also for those, who, though they "have it all" from a material point of view, nevertheless suffer from an emptiness of heart. “Jesus promises to give refreshment to all,” he said, adding, “there is, however, also an invitation, which is like a commandment: ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” The Pope then explained that this “yoke” of the Lord consists in taking the burden of the other upon oneself, with brotherly love. The Holy Father told the faithful, “Once you have received the refreshment and comfort of Christ, we are called in turn to become refreshment and comfort for our brothers and sisters, with a meek ​​and humble attitude, in imitation of the Master.”

Catholic Quote of Mother Teresa on Kindness - SHARE


“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” ― Mother Teresa
SHARE THIS MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE...
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Free Catholic Movie - St. Maria Goretti - Drama - Full Film


 JCE News is showing some of the best Catholic movies of all time: Maria Goretti (2003) TV Movie - Drama - 23 February 2003 (Italy)The life of the virgin and martyr Santa Maria Goretti.
FOR AMAZING FREE MOVIES - NEWS AND MORE LIKE US ON FACEBOOK NOW https://www.facebook.com/catholicnewsworld
Director: Giulio Base Writer: Francesco Contaldo (story) Stars: Massimo Bonetti, Luisa Ranieri, Flavio Insinna |
NOTE Film is in Italian - For English Subtitles - Click "CC" at bottom of Screen - Turn Captions "On" - Then Click Translate Captions and select language

Full Text Fortnight for Freedom Closing Mass in Washington DC

FFF-engThis is my homily from the closing Mass of the Fortnight for Freedom on Independence Day. The liturgy was celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl at noon July 4th at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. 
Introduction:  
            We are gathered to honor religious freedom in this great nation and to complete the celebration of the Fortnight for Freedom. Thank you, Cardinal Wuerl, and thank you each participant at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and those who join us via TV.  The theme of this third annual celebration is “freedom to serve.”

1. We pray in gratitude for our freedom to serve
            How right it is for us to gather at the Holy Eucharist to pray for our precious gift of religious freedom.  From the beginning of our nation, people of faith have had a profound impact on the life of our nation precisely because we have used this freedom to serve others.
            How right it is for us to hear the ancient words of the prophet Isaiah making it clear: a faith that does not show itself in acts of service to others – is a dead faith.  A faith that leads to serving will be a light to shine in darkness!
            In today’s Gospel, Jesus is very critical of certain religious leaders of his day precisely because they did not put their faith into action. How vivid is the image of one about to offer a gift in sacrifice to God who suddenly recalls that he has offended a brother? Leave the gift. Go and be reconciled, and then come back and offer that gift to God.  Faith without action is a dead faith.
            Over thirty years ago, St. John Paul II summarized this truth in his encyclical, Redemptor Hominis.  Here is what he said:  “Christ teaches us that the best use of freedom is charity, which takes concrete form in self-giving and in service.” (Redemptor Hominis, 21)  Yes, we are at our best when we are free to serve others.

2. Thank God for the Little Sisters of the Poor
            Thousands of religious communities, Catholic Charities, Catholic hospitals and other organizations exemplify this faith in action.  To illustrate, let me tell you of one sterling example of faith in action: the Little Sisters of the Poor.  Founded over 175 years ago, this wonderful community of women religious has from the beginning sought to live out their faith.  Their special gift (or charism) is one that the world easily understands.  They show their love for God by seeking out and serving the poorest and most frail of the elderly.  They have been doing so for all these decades in a very quiet way, but also in a very public way – so much so that you and I have come to know of them and their great ministry.
            They serve within the shadows of this National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, and they serve in my home town – at St. Joseph Home in Louisville, Ky.  Yes, their work is public.  We all know of it. Everyone, and I mean everyone, loves the Little Sisters of the Poor.   We know of their service so much that we want our mothers and fathers, our aunts and uncles to be served by the Little Sisters of the Poor and by their lay coworkers who share in that special charism of service.   Their work is public not because they want to toot their own horn – just the opposite – but because as Isaiah said 2500 years ago, when you remove oppression from your midst and serve others, then light shall rise for you in the darkness. 
            To say that their work is public does not mean that it is impersonal or sterile.  No, their acts of service are intimately personal.  They are not a “vending machine” dispensing impersonal charity – without convictions, conscience and a sense of  right and wrong.  No, they are providing intimately personal care – a care that we deeply desire for our family members and for all people in need. Their work is an expression of their love of God and God’s love of others shining through their lives. We see light rising forth in the darkness and we like what we see.

3. Faith in action is good for America
             This faith filled service is good for America.  In my early days as a priest I had the privilege of serving in Catholic Charities.  For more than two decades, I saw firsthand, as a social worker, the mission of faith turned into action.  I saw people of all faiths being served.  As Cardinal Hickey said many years ago, we serve others not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic.  What was unique in this service is that it was done with integrity – always consistent with our Catholic faith.  We served people of all backgrounds, but we did so without ever violating the core beliefs that motivated that service. Cardinal Dolan of New York has said it well: “America is at its best when religion has a place at the table.”     

4. Real threats to this freedom to serve with charity and integrity of faith.
            There are real threats to religious freedom throughout the world and overseas; many people are suffering terribly for their faith.  Please don’t forget them. Please remember to pray for them.  And even at our doorstep, the Little Sisters of the Poor have gone to court to protect their right to serve with charity and integrity of faith.  They hate having to go to court.  However, even more, they hate having to make a false choice. They cannot make a choice either to stop serving those in need or to compromise the faith that is their very reason and power to serve!  And we need to protect their ability to serve with love and integrity.  We cannot stand by and allow anyone to force us to separate our acts of service from the living faith that motivates these acts, and we cannot allow anyone to force us to facilitate immoral acts that go against our clearly demonstrated living faith. 
            This past week the Supreme Court of our land gave a very encouraging decision. It provided protection to certain private companies, and the families who run them, to conduct their businesses without violating their conscientious religious beliefs. We are encouraged.  However, this decision does not address the plight of the Little Sisters of the Poor and so many others. We must re-double our efforts to support and defend them.
            The stakes are high.  Pope Francis has told us of the great dangers in too narrow an understanding of religious freedom.  In his still new apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, he says this:   “(a) healthy pluralism…does not entail privatizing religions in an attempt to reduce them to the quiet obscurity of the individual’s conscience or to relegate them to the enclosed precincts of churches, synagogues or mosques.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 255)
            We need a robust and healthy religious freedom in our nation. We need laws like the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act to protect people of deep faith convictions when their practice is threatened.  This act rightly holds our government to high standards.  It ensures that, when government authorities would impose a practice that conflicts with the deeply held religious beliefs of some, the government must make a special showing to justify both the ends and the means.  The government’s ends must be compelling, and it must choose the means, among all those available, that is the least restrictive of religious exercise.
             There are a number of threats to religious freedom in our nation deserving our attention.  Let me mention two especially important ones.  We are obliged by our faith to protect the precious gift of marriage as the permanent, faithful, fruitful union of one man and one woman.  It is the gift upon which our society is built.  And so we must remain free to affirm that uniquely valuable gift in a unique way, without risk of government sanction.  We are also obliged by our faith to reach out to welcome, respect and serve immigrant children and families in our nation.  And so again, we must remain free to serve these most vulnerable of our sisters and brothers, without risk of government sanction.  Both are examples in which we have risen, and will continue to rise, to preserve religious freedom.

5. Conclusion:
             We Catholics gather in this National Shrine to the Immaculate Conception to proclaim that we seek only to be good citizens:  good citizens of Heaven and of earth!  Yes, we are free – free to serve.  We have a right and responsibility to serve with all our hearts, with all the passion that comes from our love of God and from the deep and abiding convictions around which we build our lives.  Our nation is built on this service and needs this service. Our faith requires it.  Thank God for our freedom to serve and our passionate resolve to defend that right.  THE END
- Shared from : http://www.archlou.org/2014/07/04/fortnight-for-freedom-homily-2014/#sthash.8BebZFVk.dpuf

RIP Metropolitan Vladimir - Primate - Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Asia News: by Nina Achmatova
He was the leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox church, obedient to Moscow since 1992. Ill with cancer he was replaced in February by Metropolitan Onufry, who now faces the great challenge posed to the Church by the Maidan protests. The risks of a split from the Moscow Patriarchate. 


Moscow (AsiaNews) - The Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine Vladimir (Sabodan), Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, obedient to the Patriarchate of Moscow, has died at age 78 after a prolonged illness. The news of his death today July 5th was published by the Moscow Patriarchate on its website.

Suffering from cancer, Vladimir was in a hospital in the Ukrainian capital. His health had deteriorated in January, while protests were underway in Maidan square in Kiev. The following month, the Metropolitan of Chernivtsi, Bukovina, Onufry, was appointed as locum tenens, who has had to face the great challenges posed to the Church by popular protest, which led to the change of power in Ukraine and the subsequent conflict between the army and pro-Russian separatists, in the east of the country.

As the crisis rages in the background, within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church itself - loyal to Moscow -  pressure is mounting to declare its complete independence from the Patriarchate of Moscow, under fire for having remained silent over the Kremlin's aggressive line. The Metropolitan Onufri, often recalled the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine, against the demands of the separatists and appealed more than once to the Patriarch of Moscow, Kirill, to favor a peaceful solution of the crisis. Some bishops have even termed the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, a bandit and a number of parishes have abandoned the use of commemorating the Patriarch of Moscow in their liturgies.

Thus far Kirill has remained cautious, forced to maintain a balance between his support for the Kremlin and the need not to alienate the community of the faithful and the clergy in Ukraine. Losing the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Church would mean Moscow giving up about half of all its parishes, not to mention 60% of the clergy, including many bishops who work in Russia itself, but who are natives of this former sister republic.

Who was Vladimir Sabodan

Born November 23, 1935 in Ukraine to a peasant family in 1954 Victor Sabodan entered the Theological Seminary of Odessa; in 1962, on graduating from the Theological Academy in Odessa, he was ordained deacon and then priest and monk with the name Vladimir. In 1966, he was appointed deputy head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem and shortly afterwards consecrated Bishop of Zvenigorod. In 1973 he was appointed rector of the Theological School of Moscow and elevated to the rank of archbishop, until 1982 when it became the Metropolitan of Rostov and Novocherkassk. Two years later, he was appointed Exarch of Eastern Europe, and in 1987 he was appointed chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate and permanent member of the Holy Synod. In 1990 he was among the three candidates for the patriarchal throne and voting results saw him in second place, after Alexy II. On 27 May 1992 he was elected Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine, Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the only canonically recognized Orthodox churches of the former Soviet republic.

He was known as a preacher, theologian and writer. In 1997-98 a six volume edition of his writings was published. From 2006 he was a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine. In 2011 he was awarded the title "Hero of Ukraine" for his contribution to the "rebirth of Orthodoxy in Ukraine" and was awarded the order of St. Alexis

Shared from Asia News IT

Novena to St. Maria Goretti - Modesty Pledge and Prayers
















St.Mary Goretti Novena Prayer
Saint Mary Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not hesitate, even at the age of twelve, to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race, which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially youth, with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus, anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of Thee, (mention your request) and may we one day enjoy with Thee the imperishable glory of heaven. Amen.
Other Prayers to St. Maria Goretti
NOVENA Prayers Below


The Nine Day Novena To St. Mary Goretti
DAY ONE 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Most lovable little Saint, who valued your purity above any earthly gain, and who sealed this choice with a martyr's death, obtain for me also a strong love of this virtue, so consoling to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The pleasures of the world create many temptations for me. I turn to your powerful intercession in Heaven, so that with this help I may remain ever loyal to God, no matter what the price. In danger inspire me to repeat with you, "No, it is a sin!" Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
DAY TWO 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Dear Saint Mary Goretti, model of loving obedience to parents, teach me to imitate your example. Help me to overcome all selfishness and stubborn pride, draw my parents to Thee, then lead me to accept this authority as the Voice of God in my life. Help them to direct me aright and enable me to obey their every wish. Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
DAY THREE 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Dear Little Saint Mary! You were ready for the moment of martyrdom because your short life was given over to daily and heroic self-denial. Your great love of the Sacred Hearts made all this possible. Teach me to love Jesus and His Blessed Mother, so that I too will be inspired to daily self-denial. I am inclined to pamper myself, to gratify my senses, and to excuse myself from all penance. This keeps me from being a true follower of Christ. Help me, lovable Little Martyr, to a sincere practice of self- denial, so that I may be your worthy follower and thus gain Heaven for all Eternity. Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
DAY FOUR 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Dear Little Saint! Your days were spent in the filth of the marshes, willingly helping your desperately poor parents and family. Obtain for me the grace to accept my present circumstances in life, no matter how difficult or humiliating they may be. "Just one little drop of water" as the only request that fell from your parched lips during those last horrible hours of life. How much I demand, how unhappy I am when I cannot have my share of the world's conveniences and gaudy attractions! Teach me by your heroic example to be content with what I have, to be grateful for the blessings God has already showered upon me. Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin,(below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
DAY FIVE 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Dear Little Saint, I depend a great deal upon the help of my friends in time of trouble or sorrow. I look for their approval in many things I do. I am disconsolate and lonely when they desert me. Through your powerful intercession in Heaven, obtain for me the grace to place all my confidence in God. Only by walking constantly in His presence and depending upon His help, will I have the courage to stand up for His laws, even though it may mean loss of friends, criticism and complete removal of worldly comfort. Help me to look for all of my strength in Him. Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
DAY SIX 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Dear Little Saint! Help me to greater love of my Faith. I have many God-given opportunities to study it but, sad to say, I neglect them. I am even critical of the Priests, Brothers and Sisters who offer their lives that I may better know and love my holy religion. Dear Saint Mary Goretti, teach me to be thankful for these grace which you did not have. Make me proud of my Faith and ready to die for it, if God should require that of me Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
DAY SEVEN 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Dear Little Saint, never was Jesus more welcome in a human heart than in yours. The Great Day of First Communion could not come quickly enough. In borrowed clothes and head crowned with flowers of the field, you knelt to receive Him into your soul, so rich with Innocence and Love, and this after months of keen anticipation!
O Powerful Intercessor with the Lamb of God, inflame my soul with your "ardent longing to receive Jesus in the Eucharist." Obtain for me the grace to put aside laziness and indifference, so that I may often, even daily, allow myself to be consumed in the "burning Furnace of Charity." Teach me what true Love really is! Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
DAY EIGHT 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Dear Little Martyr! To the last you followed your beloved Jesus! He, while hanging upon His Cross of Suffering, uttered through parched lips, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!" And you upon your bed of pain, burning with fever, forgave your murderer with the words, "I too, pardon him... I too, wish him to join me in Paradise!
Grant me the grace, O Heroic Saint, to be charitable to others! Much of my time is spent on vengeful thoughts, seeking how I may pay back to others the harm they have done to me. Teach me to forgive, so that I may not only gain Heaven, but also lead others there who might otherwise be doomed to Hell. If I am to follow Christ, help me to imitate His Charity, even as you have done. Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, (below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
(top)
DAY NINE 
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Dear Saint Mary Goretti! Once again I turn to you, and beg of you in the words of Our Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, that "serenity of spirit and deep joy which is the heritage of those who are pure of heart." Help me to turn to Our Blessed Lady, confident in the hope that she will take my hand as she did yours, and lead me on to Paradise, my heavenly country, there to enjoy with you and Her, the company of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost for all Eternity. Amen.
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin (below) followed by
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my Love!
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my Salvation!
Recite the Prayer to Saint Mary Goretti above, followed by
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father,
Saint Mary Goretti, Pray for us!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary  
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, *
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, *
God the Holy Spirit, *
Holy Trinity, One God, *
Holy Mary, **
Holy Mother of God, **
Holy Virgin of virgins, **
Mother of Christ, **
Mother of divine grace, **
Mother most pure, **
Mother most chaste, **
Mother inviolate, **
Mother undefiled, **
Mother most amiable, ****
Mother most admirable,  **
Mother of good counsel, **
Mother of our Creator, **
Mother of our Savior, **
Virgin most prudent, **
Virgin most venerable, **
Virgin most renowned, **
Virgin most powerful, **
Virgin most merciful, ** 
Virgin most faithful, **
Mirror of justice, **
Seat of wisdom, **
Cause of our joy, **
Spiritual vessel, **
Vessel of honor, **
Singular vessel of devotion, **
Mystical rose, **
Tower of David, **
Tower of ivory, **
House of gold,** 
Ark of the Covenant, **
Gate of Heaven, **
Morning star, **
Health of the sick, **
Refuge of sinners, **
Comforter of the afflicted, **
Help of Christians, **
Queen of Angels, **
Queen of Patriarchs, **
Queen of Prophets, ** 
Queen of Apostles, **
Queen of Martyrs, **
Queen of Confessors, **
Queen of Virgins, **
Queen of all Saints, **
Queen conceived without original sin, **
Queen assumed into heaven, **
Queen of the most holy Rosary, **
Queen of Peace, **
Lamb of God, You who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, You who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, You who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
* Have mercy on us.
** Pray for us.
Let us pray
Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, that we Your servants, may enjoy lasting health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.  

Pope Francis "God is Father, he is mercy, he always loves us." Video/Text

 - On the occasion of his visit to the Diocese of Campobasso and Isernia, Pope Francis proclaimes the Celestinian Jubilee Year.
 (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met with the inmates at the prison at Isernia during his daylong visit in the southern Italian region of Molise on Saturday afternoon. In his message with the prisoners, the Pope said he was grateful for the inmates’ witness of hope. The challenge, he said, echoing his message to inmates two weeks ago in Calabria, is social reintegration.  “And for this, you need a route, a path, both outside the prison and within yourself, in the conscience, the heart,” he said. “What is important is not to stand still – when water is still it becomes stagnant – but walking, taking a step every day, with the help of the Lord,” he encouraged. “God is Father, he is mercy, he always loves us. If we seek him, he welcomes us and he forgives us. ‘He never tires of forgiving’: this is the motto of this visit.”
Read the Vatican Radio translation of the Pope’s prepared remarks during his visit with prisoners in Molise:
Dear brothers and sisters,
I thank you for your welcome. And I thank you for your witness of hope, which I heard in the words of your representative. Even in the greeting from the director, this word struck me: hope. This is the challenge, as I was saying two weeks ago in the Casa circondariale di Castrovillari (the prison in Calabria): the challenge of social reintegration. And for this, you need a route, a path, both outside the prison and within yourself, in the conscience, the heart.
What is important is not to stand still – when water is still it becomes stagnant – but walking, taking a step every day, with the help of the Lord. God is Father, he is mercy, he always loves us. If we seek him, he welcomes us and he forgives us. “He never tires of forgiving”: this is the motto of this visit.
He lifts us up and gives us back our dignity fully. God does not forget us. There is a passage in the Bible, from the prophet Isaiah, which says: Even if a mother would forget her child - and it's impossible - I will never forget you (cf. Is 49:15).
With this confidence, we can walk, day by day. And with this faithful love which accompanies us, hope will not be dashed.
 We can pray together to Mary, our Mother, that she helps us and protects us.
Hail Mary…

2014

NFL Ben Utecht has Brain Disease - He Left this for his Wife and Girls - Will make you Cry...SHARE


Youtube: Super Bowl Champion Ben Utecht writes a love letter to his wife and girls from the perspective of the aging football player who may not remember their names and faces one day due to brain disease from concussions.
SHARE this Make the World a Better Place... 
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www.americanbrainfoundation.org

Sunday Mass Online : July 6, 2014 - 14th Ord. Time - A

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 100

Reading 1 ZEC 9:9-10
Thus says the LORD:
Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion,
shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king shall come to you;
a just savior is he,
meek, and riding on an ass,
on a colt, the foal of an ass.
He shall banish the chariot from Ephraim,
and the horse from Jerusalem;

the warrior’s bow shall be banished,
and he shall proclaim peace to the nations.
His dominion shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm PS 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14

R/ (cf. 1) I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
I will extol you, O my God and King,
and I will bless your name forever and ever.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
R/ I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
or:
R/ Alleluia.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R/ I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.or:
R/ Alleluia.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R/ I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
or:
R/  Alleluia.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R/ I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
or:
R/ Alleluia.

Reading 2 ROM 8:9, 11-13

Brothers and sisters:
You are not in the flesh;
on the contrary, you are in the spirit,
if only the Spirit of God dwells in you.
Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
the one who raised Christ from the dead
will give life to your mortal bodies also,
through his Spirit that dwells in you.
Consequently, brothers and sisters,
we are not debtors to the flesh,
to live according to the flesh.
For if you live according to the flesh, you will die,
but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,
you will live.

Gospel MT 11:25-30

At that time Jesus exclaimed:
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to little ones.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Saint July 6 : St. Maria Goretti : Patron of Teen Girls and Crime Victims


St. Maria Goretti
VIRGIN AND MARTYR
Feast: July 6


Information:
Feast Day:July 6
Born:October 16, 1890(1890-10-16), Corinaldo, Province of Ancona, Marche, Kingdom of Italy
Died:July 6, 1902 (aged 11), Nettuno, Province of Rome, Lazio, Kingdom of Italy
Canonized:June 24, 1950, Rome by Pope Pius XII
Major Shrine:Nettuno, Province of Rome, Lazio, Italy
Patron of:Crime victims, teenage girls, modern youth, Children of Mary
Virgin martyr and miracle worker in death. She was stabbed to death on July 6 while resisting the advances of the son of her father's business partner. Maria was born in Corinaldo, Italy, the daughter of a farmer who moved the family to Ferriere di Conca, near Anzio. There Alexander Serenelli, a youth who lived in the same house, tried to seduce the young Maria. When she refused him, Alexander stabbed her repeatedly. Arrested for the murder, he was imprisoned and experienced a vision of Maria. Her cuase was opened becuase she was credited with some forty miracles after her death. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII (r. 1939-1958) in 1950, as a model of purity. Alexander attended her canonization.


SOURCE: EWTN