Private Vows in The Laity/Spirituality

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O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire Thee with our whole heart; that, so desiring, we may seek, and seeking find Thee; and so finding Thee may love Thee; and loving Thee, may hate those sins from which Thou hast redeemed us.
    ... St. Anselm (1033-1109)

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Daily Mass

Friday 24th August 2018

 

St Francis Xavier, Lavender Bay (Our Lady of the Way)

Australia - New South Wales

https://www.youtube.com/user/cathnews (Subscription is in right hand margin)

A spiritual Holy Communion "Dear Jesus, since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, please come into my heart spiritually and remain with me forever.  Amen"

 

 

 

 

 

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Saint Anthony of Padua (c.1195-1231)
Franciscan, Doctor of the Church
Sermons

 

"They preach but they do not practice"

Someone who is filled with the Holy Spirit speaks different languages (Acts 2:4). These different languages are differing testimonies to Christ, such as humility, poverty, patience and obedience. We speak them when, in practicing them ourselves, we show them to others. The word is alive when it is our actions that speak. Please, I beg you, let words be silenced and actions speak! We are full of words but empty of deeds, and because of this the Lord curses us just as he cursed the fig tree on which he found no fruit but only leaves (Mk 11:13f.). Saint Gregory says that: “The Law has been made known to the preacher so that he might practice what he preaches.” A person who spoils his teaching by his deeds is wasting his time spreading knowledge of the law.

But the apostles spoke according to the Spirit’s gift. Happy are those who speak according to the Spirit’s gift and not according to their own feelings… So let us speak as the Spirit gives us utterance. Let us humbly and devoutly ask him to shed his grace within us.

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Daily Mass

Friday 24th August 2018

 

St Francis Xavier, Lavender Bay (Our Lady of the Way)

Australia - New South Wales

 

[Guest]

 

 

 

"...trusting in the help of God." Trust can be unspeakably hard,
and is made the more so by the many times humans and history have
betrayed our trust. We become fearful and wary after many human
hurts. Unfortunately, this impedes our ability to trust even God,
Who is incapable of betraying us. He will never, ever abandon us.

St. Faustina said that even if the ground beneath her feet were to
drop away, she would still trust Him. That's a way off for most of
us, but a worthy goal which we should long to achieve. Trust like
that is the herald of great sanctity. And great sanctity is our
call!
Jerome, OSB
www.stmarysmonastery.org

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15 Promises of Our Lady

for those who Pray her Rosary

 

https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/15-promises-to-christians-who-pray-the-rosary/

Our Lady revealed the following promises to St. Dominic (the saint to whom the rosary was first given in the 12th century) and later to Blessed Alan de la Roche (who reignited devotion to the rosary in the 15th century).

See also The Spot Where Our Lady Gave the Rosary to St.Dominic https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/spot-where-mary-gave-rosary-to-st-dominic/

 

 

1. Whosoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.[A signal grace may be a simple sign in daily life that answers a question made in prayer or points towards God’s will. For example, seeing a rose after finishing a novena to St. Therese of Lisieux could be considered a signal grace. Signal graces are often subtle or seemingly coincidental.]

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.

4. It will cause good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire for Eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means!

 5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.[In other words, anyone who faithfully prays the Rosary and asks for Mary’s intercession will be saved from hell.]

6. Whosoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries, shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of Eternal Life.[An unprovided death means dying while not in a state of grace (that is, in dying with unconfessed mortal sin in the soul). The Blessed Mother promises that anyone who regularly prays the Rosary, and earnestly tries to live according to God’s will, will be spiritually prepared when their time of death comes.]

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.[Our Lady ensures that the soul will receive sanctifying grace through the Sacraments prior to its departure from the body.]

8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the Light of God and the plenitude of His Graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the Merits of the Saints in Paradise.

9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.

10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of Glory in Heaven.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by recitation of the Rosary.

12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire Celestial Court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who recite the Rosary are my Sons, and brothers of my Only Son Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.[By this the Blessed Mother means that a devotion to the Rosary is a good indication that the devotee is on the path to Heaven.]

 . . .

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Daily Mass

Friday 27th August 2018

 

St Francis Xavier, Lavender Bay (Our Lady of the Way)

Australia - New South Wales

 

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May we have gentleness and compassion

towards the elderly 

living alone

 

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St Vincent de Paul Society

Vincent's Quote of the Day

We are poor people more liable to turn aside His blessings

than to draw them down (III:275).

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Daily Mass

Tuesday 28th August 2018

 

St Francis Xavier, Lavender Bay (Our Lady of the Way)

Australia - New South Wales

 

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Seven Day Virtual Marriage Retreats

http://www.foryourmarriage.org/marriage-retreat-2018-marriage-school-life-love/

Day One: Marriage is a School of Life
Day Two: Marriage Lasts for Life
Day Three: Marriage Welcomes Life
Day Four: Marriage is a School of Love
Day Five: Marriage Reflects God’s Love
Day Six: Marriage Lives by God’s Law of Love
Day Seven: Marriage as a Domestic Church

 

 

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Quote

ALETEIA - FAULTS COMMITTED IN PRAYING THE ROSARY : fault commonly committed in saying the Rosary is to have no intention other than that of getting it over with as quickly as possible. This is because so many look upon the Rosary as a burden, which weighs heavily upon them when it has not been said, especially when we have promised to say it regularly or have been told to say it as a penance more or less against our will.

Re the above, St Therese of Lisieux confessed that one of her biggest trials in Carmel was praying the Rosary.

The fault does not lay in having repugnance towards the Rosary - the fault is in the motivation: to feel repugnance and not care - alternatively, to feel repugnance but to care very much.  We most often do not have control over repugnances in the spiritual way, they simply are.  We do have control over what we do with that repugnance i.e. to desire not to have it.

It is not unusual  for repugnance towards a rather lengthy prayer like The Rosary and to want to get through it as quickly as possible.  No fault in that - to race through it therefore would be one's fault.  To strive against the fault and pray it with care despite repugnance would be a virtue............this does not mean that one prays it as slowly as possible.

It is not sinful to omit The Rosary.  It is sinful however to deliberately omit prayer in some form.  

It is all a matter of common sense.  AndSt. Albert in the Ancient Rule of Carmel stated 

Quote

http://www.carmelitevocation.org.uk/the-rule-of-st-albert.html

Chapter 24.

Here then are the few points I have written down to provide you with a standard of counduct to live up to; but our Lord, at his second coming will reward anyone who does more than he is obliged to do. See that the bounds of common sense are not exceeded, however, for common sense is the guide of the virtues.

 

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DOWN TO EARTH AND EASY READING FOR THE EVERYDAY CATHOLIC

AND

WELL WORTH IT!

AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON AND ON KINDLE "Wisdom from the Christian Mystics"

 

'A Ground-breaking Spiritual Classic.' David Torkington's latest book, Wisdom from the Christian Mystics has already been described in superlatives by reviewers, even before it has been officially launched at the Athenaeum, Pall Mall. Kevin Grant, the former Editor in Chief of the Catholic Universe, former Managing Director of the Catholic Herald and former Master of the Catholic Writer's Guild simply called it, 'a masterpiece'. For a writer and a poet, who is so careful with words, it is remarkable that in his endorsement of the book he even suggests that the author could be canonized for writing it - hopefully not in the near future! We need to hear much more from a writer whose books have been declared mandatory reading by Sr Wendy Beckett. Usually such worthy books are beyond the comprehension of the ordinary punters in the pews, but not the books of this author.--Michael Winterbottom "The Catholic Universe "

David Torkington has written a delightfully sensitive account of how the mystics of the Christian tradition help lead us to God. Many Catholics, even very prayerful ones, are intimidated by the mere word "mystic." Torkington shows us that mystical writing is actually a singularly effective tool in imagining the Almighty. God is ineffable, which means He is so different from us that He cannot be described in words. Mystics have the courage to abandon normal categories of language so as to stretch their fingers closer to that which can never be touched. David Torkington has a genuine enthusiasm for the writings of mystics of many eras, and that passion is contagious. It makes him an excellent teacher. Torkington is a faithful guide into lesser-known but marvelously rich pastures. Warmly recommended.--Fr Erik Ross, O.P, Dominican Priest, publisher and translator

When Wisdom from the Western Isles sold out with the speed of light, I was designated translator of Wisdom from Franciscan Italy, and finally this his masterpiece Wisdom from the Christian mystics. All his books answer many important questions about the spiritual life and difficulties we all face especially laypeople like me trying to follow in the footsteps of our Lord. He stresses that we are all called, not only to sanctity but also to mystical prayer, and unequivocally condemns the evils of New Age in all its various and devious forms. I strongly recommend his works, especially this, his masterpiece, to all who are determined to follow the 'Way', and earnestly strive towards personal sanctity.--Aleksandra Marija Chwalowsky, translator of the Croatian edition

Product Description

When Quietism was condemned in 1687 it resulted in an antipathy, if not an open hostility to authentic mystical theology. This situation has lasted down to the present day and has been aggravated by many forms of counterfeit mysticism that are self-centred, not God-centred. The consequences have been disastrous. To restore the balance lost to Christian spirituality, the author returns to the profound mystical teaching that Jesus himself lived and handed on to the early Church through his disciples. His research has resulted in a book that details a practical daily spirituality for all, that mirrors that which was lived by our earliest Christian forebears. It emphasises the original balance between personal and communal prayer in such a way that our whole lives become the place where we continually offer our lives through Christ to the Father.

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Share the Good News!

"Wright deftly brings his subject matter to life in a refreshingly understandable approach to the New Evangelization. It will enliven your faith and transform you."—an Amazon review

Jesus the Evangelist is a transformative guide to becoming a better disciple through studying the words of Jesus. Allan Wright focuses on the life of Jesus and on the ways he evangelized among his disciples and followers. This book defines for Catholics what evangelization is while addressing how individuals can evangelize in their everyday lives, and how parishes can evangelize through the examples Jesus gave us.

 

 

 

 

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What is Empathy

(4.5 minute video)

 

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Daily Mass

Friday - 31st August 2010

(Apologies, sidetracked yesterday and forgot to post)

 

 

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21 Ways to Pray

By Mark Herringshaw

"Prayer can be rich when it's simple and spontaneous. In fact, we can pray anywhere, at any time. It doesn't require lofty language in a sacred space. All we need to do is see our ordinary moments as the perfect occasions for communicating with God, then speak from our heart.

Take a few minutes to explore this gallery for some plain and simple ways to pray your way through an ordinary day.......".............More

 

 

 

 

HERE

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - So where should you start?

It's important to first realize we are God's creations and part of being a believer is living a life as close to the Church's morals as possible.

When people think of Catholics, they should be thinking of loving people who reflect the same respect, love, kindness and wisdom revealed in the Bible.

We aren't perfect and we make mistakes but therein lies the importance of setting goals and spending a lifetime in an attempt to meet them.

The great thing about these goals are you can meet them and, as you mature, set and meet them again on deeper levels.

Please consider our top ten goals every Catholic should set for themselves:

1. Build a strong foundation

The Bible tells us to share our faith - but how can we share what we don't know?

It's important to understand what being Catholic is all about. What role does the Church play? What role do the Holy Trinity, saints, angels and Pope play?

Take time to delve deep and learn about the faith, then share the truth with friends, family and even complete strangers!

2. Be humble

You will never know everything written in the Bible, nor will you ever fully grasp the greatness of God.

This is nothing to be ashamed of - we are imperfect beings incapable of understanding, without a doubt, everything the Bible says.

Strive to remain humble. Offering accurate information is very different from parading around expecting everyone wants to be corrected.

Even if you are knowledgeable about some things, there are many others you don't fully understand. Don't let a little bit of knowledge get to your head!

This can be spread across several aspects of your life. Attempting to remain humble is a difficult struggle for most people so don't feel ashamed when you catch yourself prancing in pride. Just ask God for a new perspective and try to see your accomplishments for what they really are: A culmination of hard work on your part, knowledge learned from your boss, teacher or family member, and God's grace.

3. God is #1

No matter how hard or great life can get, we must never forget God is the Most High and He deserves our respect.

Thank God for the good days and pray for peace on the bad. Know that He is always here for us. When you get a job promotion, God was there. When you cried alone, God was there.

Through every circumstance, the Lord is present to help us work through it or be praised for his blessings.

He should remain the most important thing in our lives, so spent a moment each day to ask Him to fill your heart with longing for His warm embrace, peace, love, mercy, forgiveness and blessings.

4. Meet the dress code 
It's important for us to dress in the armor of God each day.

Like ancient knights, we must protect ourselves with the armor described in Ephesians 6:11, 14-18.

The passages read: "Put on the full armour of God so as to be able to resist the devil's tactics...So stand your ground, with truth a belt round your waist, and uprightness a breastplate, wearing for shoes on your feet the eagerness to spread the gospel of peace and always carrying the shield of faith so that you can use it to quench the burning arrows of the Evil One.

"And then you must take salvation as your helmet and the sword of the Spirit, that is, the word of God. In all your prayer and entreaty keep praying in the Spirit on every possible occasion. Never get tired of staying awake to pray for all God's holy people."

This armor will help protect you from the enemies' lies and the curses of the world. Mentally and spiritually don the armor each day and know you are loved and protected as one of God's beloved children.

5. Grow in faith

Faith is limitless.

We can always encourage our faith and the faith of those around us.

The Bible tells us to have faith. In fact, when Jesus raised Lazarus, he told St. Martha, "Have I not told you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)

God still produces miracles today - and it is through faith that we will witness them, just as St. Martha witnessed her brother being raised from the dead.

6. Learn key scriptures

Memorize a handful of verses from the Bible to help you when you encounter difficulties in your day-to-day life.

Knowing these verses by heart will help you remember what God's promises are during times of distress, joy, grief and anger.

Doing so also provides an opportunity to share the Word of God with friends, family, the faithful and unbelievers alike.

7. Stop judging and gossipping

The bottom line is simple: Only God has the power to judge us.

St. Mother Teresa left us with a wonderful quote on judgement, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

What has God called us to do? Love one another.

Pope Francis has told us again and again to learn to love and the biggest part of learning to do so is to stop judging what others do, stop talking about people behind their backs and to live life for ourselves.

How can we live a life of our own if we are too busy talking about the lives of others?

8. Learn to trust in the Lord

We often turn to the Lord in times of desperation.

The trick is to turn to Him always.

Before stress can take command of your body, ask God for peace. Refer to a Bible verse on peace, God's promises or a favorite parable.

Turning to the Lord first, rather than as a last resort, will change your life for the better. Trust in Him and you will see a change within yourself only He can bring.

9. Lead by example

Too few people understand there are eyes everywhere.

Whether those eyes belong to our friends, neighbors, family or children, they are always watching.

To be good Christians, it is our duty to live, to the best of our ability, in accordance to the Gospel. What good is teaching our children not to misbehave when we turn around and gossip all day on the phone?

Why bother to talk about respect to our spouses when we turn around and disrespect the people who irk us?

We need to hold ourselves accountable for our actions. When we hurt someone we need to take a look at why - then we need to correct the situation and our behavior.

This is difficult, particularly since it is easy to judge others but not so easy to find flaws in ourselves. It's time to stop offering excuses and take responsibility for our words and actions.

10. Learn to serve

Part of holding ourselves accountable is acknowledging the need to remain humble.

Humility helps us rearrange our priorities and frees time for us to help others.

Serving others is a crucial part of loving them. Look to St. Teresa of Calcutta as a prime example.

She was an amazing woman who served the community. She touched the lives of billions and her beautiful spirit will be remembered forever.

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Daily Mass

Saturday 1st September 2018

St Francis Xavier, Lavender Bay - New South Wales (Our Lady of the Way)

 

[Guest]

 

 

A Touching Story from Nature

 

 

 

I nearly cried watching the following

and

worth watching to the conclusion: