- First, we should desire to be corrected before correcting others.
- Make sure that the person is at fault.
- Pray fervently for the person before giving the correction.
- Find the right time and place.
- TIME. When the person is well-disposed: at peace and not tired and frustrated.
- PLACE. Never in public; this would be embarrassing!
- MANNER! Always with charity. Remember the words of St Francis de Sales: “You can catch more flies with a teaspoon of honey than with a barrel of vinegar.
- KINDNESS! Before, during and after.
- Admit that you are the first to be corrected.
- Finally, after the fraternal correction has been done, pray for the person. St Thomas Aquinas asserts that fraternal correction is a true manifestation of charity.
ESSENTIALS FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE
- Pray for a future spouse to God.
- Make sure that you get married in the church.
- PREPARATION! Go to preparation courses that the church offers.
- PRAYER! As a couple preparing to get married, you must pray together.
- ASK FOR PRAYERS. Beg other couples and the church to pray for you.
- MENTORS! Get good mentors to help you out; follow their advice.
- SPIRITUAL DIRECTION. Make sure that you receive proper instruction from a priest.
- MASS & COMMUNION. Go to Mass and receive Communion together. Archbishop Fulton Sheen states: “It takes 3 to marry: the man. woman and Jesus. He binds the couple in love.
- NFP. Learn Natural Family Planning.
- MARY. Beg the Blessed Mother and St Joseph to pray for you!
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.
CHARITY: THE GREATEST OF ALL VIRTUES
There is so much confusion about love. Let us hear it from the saints and from God Himself!
- The measure to love God is to love Him without measure. (St. Francis de Sales)
- At the end of our life, we will be judged on love. (St John of the Cross)
- The queen of all virtues is love. (St Thomas Aquinas)
- Love is patient, love is kind; it does not put on airs… (St Paul I Cor. 13)
- The greatest virtue of Mary was her charity. (Lumen Gentium chapter 8)
- No greater love than to give one’s life for the one he loves. (Jesus)
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.