Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary

Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality

OUR SILENT BUT POWERFUL FRIENDS: THE ANGELS


YOUR ANGEL FRIEND: WAYS TO GROW IN THIS FRIENDSHIP


  1. PRAY!  Have a set time to pray to your Guardian angel every day. Greet him in the morning; greet him in the evening; greet him at midday!
  2. MICHAEL.   “Who is like unto God”.  Daily pray the prayer to St Michael the archangel, defend us in battle. Especially call upon him in time of spiritual battle and temptation.  He is the patron saint of soldiers and of course we are spiritual soldiers fighting for the conquest of our souls and the souls of the whole world!
  3. GABRIEL.   “Power of God”.  He is the patron saint of communication. (Pope Paul VI). Before initiating a conversation with anybody invoke this Archangel that your thoughts, words and intentions would be directed to the Honor and glory of God.  He who communicated the greatest message— that of the Incarnation of the Son of God   to Mary— can help you to be a true herald of good news!
  4. RAPHAEL.  “GOD HEALS”.   Turn to this archangel for many special intentions. Beg him to guide you to heaven.  Implore the grace of purity of life!  Ask him to help you to use your eyes to contemplate the beauty of God.  All important, beg him for your son/daughter that they might meet the future spouse that God has planned for them.  Raphael is the patron of  those called to the married life!  All important, ask him to fill you with joy.  In moments of sadness, may he become your companion through the dark tunnels of life, pointing you towards your eternal home.
  5. ANGELS AND MASS!  Another special grace that your angel can attain for you is  the ability to concentrate more fully in the greatest of prayers— the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.   The Guardian Angel of Fatima taught Jacinta, Francisco, and Lucia how to adore God and how to receive Jesus reverently in Holy Communion and our angels can help us.


Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

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THE BEST SENTENCES THAT BEGIN WITH “I”!!!!!!


Do you know the twelve (12) best sentences that begin with “I”??????  Here they are!!!!!
1. “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” (Our goal in life is Jesus)

2. “I am the Light of the world.” (Darkness will be dispelled!)

3. “I and the Father are one….” (Unity in the Family)

4. “I am the Bread of life….” (Nourishment for eternal life)

5. “I know the Father and the Father knows me…” (All is seen and known by Him)

6. “I have come to bring life and life in abundance….” (Life has true meaning in Him)

7. “I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and they know me…” (Our Leader and Guide)

8. “I am the Resurrection and the life…” (Eternal life in Him)

9. “I am the vine and you are the branches…bring forth fruit.” (Call to bear fruit).

10.“I will send you the Consoler…”  (Sweet Guest of the soul: the Holy Spirit)

11. “I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word….” (She always leads us to Him)

12.“I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Forgiveness and peace through Jesus and the Church)
If we focus upon “Me. Myself and I…”then we will be led to sadness and discouragement. However, if we focus our attention upon the “I” above, then we will experience joy, peace, in this life and eternal life!


Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats, and spiritual direction.

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OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKS!

Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and that every word that comes from our mouth we will have to render and account and St James  chapter 3 clearly challenges us to use our tongue for the honor of God.   Below are ten helpful suggestions! Let us read and try to apply to our daily life of speech!!!


  1. PRAY: THE HOLY SPIRIT.   Look at the Apostles!  Before Pentecost they fled and Peter even denied Jesus with his tongue. After the 1st Novena of Pentecost, there is a radical transformation.  Peter  launches a Pentecost homily and converts 3000!!!! How??? Prayer to the Holy Spirit.   A short but potent prayer:  “ Come Holy Spirit, come, through the Heart of Mary.”
  2. THINK!  St James says we should be quick to listen and slow to speak  Next, avoid impulsivity!   Think before you speak!  How often have we spoken on there spur of the moment, without reflection, have hurt the person and have to pay  for the consequences!  The Imitation of Christ asserts:  “Few have regretted for having maintained silence, many for having spoken out of time!
  3. GOLDEN RULE! Remember this precious and powerful rule of Jesus:  “Do to others what you want them to do to you.”  We can apply this to speech:  “Say to others what you want them to say to you!”
  4. SILENCE!  Mothers have often taught their children this axiom:  “If you do not have anything good to say, then do not say it!”  Good advice!
  5. AGITATED????  In moments of agitation, it is best to avoid speech. Better to retire to your room, pray a part of the Rosary, then  enter into conversation calm and collected!   In agitation, the bad spirit works on us and that also means our speech!
  6. ENCOURAGEMENT!  Learn  words of encouragement.  We all need affirmation, support, and encouragement.   Be a BARNABUS!!!!   Barnabus was one of the latter apostles and his name means, “Son of encouragement”. Why not form a “Barnabus” club!!!
  7. PARDON!  When it does happen, that you fail in your speech, thereby hurting your neighbor, muster up enough humility and courage to express two very difficult words: I’M SORRY!!!! Shakespeare hit the nail on the head:  “To err  is human to forgive is divine,”
  8. SPIRITUAL READING!  It might be that we arrive at interior vacuum; we have little to say of real value!  Form Thia habit of good spiritual reading— a half an hour a day—- and many  holy, edifying, and sanctifying thoughts in your mind and heart will be transformed into words and serve to truly sanctify others!!!  Ignatius in the CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN LOVE  says that love is expressed by giving!  Why not share the spiritual treasures of your heart with others!
  9. HOLY COMMUNION REMINDER!!!!  Remember that with the same tongue you receive the Eucharistic Lord, the “Lord of Lords and King of Kings” you speak. Hopefully our speech will reflect WHO we have just received on our tongue and in our hearts!
  10. MARY AS MODEL!   Turn to Mary and beg for her powerful intercession to help you in your speech. Imagine Mary talking to Joseph, Jesus, St Elizabeth, and others.  What love, attention, kindness, meekness, humility, discretion, joy….  Surely, Mary who said “Yes” to the Word of God, will attain for us the grace to express clearly, convincingly, charitably every word that comes from our mouth.  “  My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”


Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

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LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME!


Jesus said “Let the little children come to me… and  “Unless you become like a child you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” It is worthy of note that the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Lourdes, LaSalette chose to appear and speak to children.  Today there are many enemies in the path of children leading wholesome, holy and happy lives.   Therefore, let us propose some clear and concrete actions we can take to save the child from danger and put into practice the words of Jesus, Our Savior, who had a very tender heart and special place in His Heart for children.


  1. YES  TO THE GOSPEL OF LIFE AND NO TO THE CULTURE OF DEATH!  These words were expressed by Blessed John Paul II  in his immortal encyclical  “Gospel of Life”. First and foremost, we must reject abortion in all forms as well as the contraceptive mentality.  If a child is prevented from being conceived and  killed before he is born there is no child to be formed in society. Pray for the unborn child and be his voice who cannot be heard!
  2. BAPTISM.  Parents should baptize their child as soon as possible! Unfortunately, for many, the social aspect of the “Baptism party” and the lack of money for it, can easily delay and block the grace of baptism, thereby preventing the child from becoming a son/daughter of God.
  3. PRAYER!  A child  is truly a “Human sponge”. The nature of a sponge is to absorb. A little child can sit in front of t.v or the computer and absorb vulgarities and ugly scenes that are all to easily engraved in the memory. Teach your child to pray a soon as possible.  How inspiring to hear from the lips of little children the words:  “Dear angel of God, my guardian dear….. Hail Mary… Our Father…. Jesus I love you….  Parents pray for your children, teach them to pray and pray with them!!!!
  4.  FIRST COMMUNION & CATECHISM.  Enroll them in catechism as early as possible so that they can receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus as soon as possible.  Negligence, delay, procrastination on the part of parents in this area is deplorable!!!!
  5. SACRIFICE! Train your children when they are small to offer up little sacrifices so as to console the Wounded Heart of Jesus and the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Do not underestimate the ability and generosity that a child might have. Remember the heroic sacrifices of  the children of Fatima: Blessed Jacinta Marto and her brother Blessed Francisco.  A sacrifice offered with great Love and prayer could save a soul for all eternity!
  6. MOVIES/DVDS. A picture is worth more than a thousand words.  Why not expose your children to good movies.  There are so many bad ones, but you purchase the good ones!  Bad images are easily impressed in the mind; however, the same can be said with good images!  Why not create an environment for Ignatian contemplation for children, by exposing them to good scenes and good images.  A few suggestions: Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes and the old classic Marcellino Pan y vino. As such, we are forming Christian-catholic holy minds in our children!
  7. HOLY PICTURES, STATUES, RELIGIOUS ART, STAIN GLASS WINDOW.   By exposing our children to these sacramentals, once again we are filling their minds with holy thoughts and disposing them for contemplative prayer, even as children. Either the imagination can be used for evil or for good.  Our desire is that the minds of children be filled with all that refers to God and the salvation of our soul!
  8. TELL BIBLE STORIES.  Parents should get into the habit of praying with their children as they put them to  bed. In addition, why not tell a Bible story or an anecdote from the life of a saint.  Consequently, the last thoughts of the day of the child will be of God or God’s friends, the saints!   Great way to end the day!
  9.  DAILY COMMUNION.  After your child has made his first Holy Communion, it would be an excellent practice to take him to Mass and Holy Communion on a daily basis. If not 7 days a week at least a few days a week.   The greatest action a person can do on earth is to receive Jesus, “The Bread of Life” with faith, love and devotion in Holy Communion. Parents, why not make Mass and Holy Communion the very center and heart of your day and of the day of your child/children! Jesus’ promise is eternal life!  (Jn 6. Bread of Life discourse.)
  10. CONSECRATE TO MARY.   Consecrate your child to Mary on the day of his Baptism. Renew this consecration often. Start every day by consecrating yourself, family and children to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We must always seek two special havens, oases, refuges from the tempests and storms of life: the SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY!

In conclusion, for parents, the most precious gifts that God has given to you are your children. You procreated with God to bring them into existence.  You must collaborate with God to bring them to heaven! May God bless you and help you with this most noble enterprise!!!!


Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

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REJOICE IN THE LORD: 10 REASONS FOR REJOICING!

St. Paul in his letter to the Phillipians exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord: “I say to you rejoice,rejoice in the Lord…”(Phil 4:4)  In Mary’s hymn of praise, the Magnificat, the Mother of God’s Immaculate Heart resound praising God with these words:  “My heart rejoices in God my Savior…(Lk. 1:47)   True joy can only be found in God.  Indeed, only God is the ultimate source of joy in this life and in eternity. Therefore, we offer 10 clear reasons for true rejoicing.  I invite you to read and give thanks to God!

1. GOD CREATED YOU OUT OF LOVE!   This mere thought should lift your heart in hymns of joy. His love for you is eternal and immutable!

2. PRAYER!  At all times and places I can talk to this God who loves me so much. Actually, God anxiously awaits for me to talk to Him even now. Praise, thank and love God now for a few moments!

3. GUARDIAN ANGEL.  Right now, beside you is a good friend— your Guardian Angel. He is there to encourage you on your journey to heaven. Rejoice!  You are never alone!

4. DIGNITY. Through Baptism you have been transformed into a son/daughter of God. You call God your “Father” and He truly is. Rejoice in your exalted dignity. However, strive to live up to that standard!

5. DESTINY. GOAL CLEAR!  You know where you came from and know where you are heading:  HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You know for certain that after patiently carrying your cross in this brief pilgrimage of life, God has a place prepared for you in heaven!

6. MERCY. Even though you may fall a million times a day, you know that your loving Father has his arms open to forgive you, love you and receive you into his embrace.  Remember the parable of the Prodigal Son.  (Lk 15).

7. BEST OF FRIENDS.  In heaven are the saints, but they are your best of friends.  Right now talk to three of your best friends— the saints in heaven.  There presence and prayer will fill you with joy.  They are praying for you and waiting for you in heaven!

8. TABERNACLE FRIEND.  An even better friend than the saints is waiting for your visit in the Tabernacle in His Real Presence. Talk to Him and He will fill you with joy.  Remember the words of the Psalmist:  “Look to the Lord and be radiant with joy!”

9. RECEIVE HIM.  Take one more step: go to Mass and receive Him with purity of heart, profound humility and burning charity and you heart will explode with joy.  Remember the disciples on the Road to Emmaus after listening to Jesus and meeting Him in the breaking of Bread.  They returned with their hearts filled with joy.   (Lk 24) Frequent, fervent, faith-filled Communions is a sure source of joy!

10. MARY.  Pray to Mary, love Mary, spread Marian devotion and she will fill you with joy. One of her titles in the Litany is “Cause of our joy.” 

In sum, may you be filled with joy.  “Rejoice in the Lord; I say it again: rejoice in the Lord!” (Phil. 4:4)

Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

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