Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12^TH Lk. 17: 20-25   “Just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.”

• Truly light comes from the Son of Man! The light and warmth of the fire burning in the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our inmost heart!

Part 1: Jesus seeks us within… by Saint Albert the Great
Part 2: THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1: Jesus seeks us within… by Saint Albert the Great (+1280)

We are utterly unable to attain to love or any other good thing by ourselves. We have nothing to offer to the Lord, the Author of all, which was not His already. One thing alone remains to us: that in every occurrence we should turn to Him in prayer, as He Himself taught us by word and example. Let us go to Him as guilty, poor, and miserable; as beggars, weak and needy; as subjects and slaves, yet as His children.

By ourselves we are utterly destitute. What can we do but throw ourselves at His feet in deepest humility, holy fear mingling in our souls with love, peace, and recollection? And while we are glad to draw close with all lowliness and modesty, with minds sincere and simple, let our hearts burn with great desires, with ardor and heartfelt longings. And so let us pray to our God, and lay before Him with entire confidence, the perils which menace us on every side. Let us freely, unhesitatingly, and in all simplicity, confide ourselves to Him, and offer to Him our whole being, even to the last fiber, for are we not in truth absolutely His?

Let us keep nothing for ourselves, and then will be fulfilled in us the saying of Blessed Isaac, one of the Fathers of the Desert who, speaking of this kind of prayer, said: “We shall be one being with God, and He will be all in all to us, when that perfect charity by which He loved us first has entered into our inmost hearts.  

PART 2:  THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

We will encourage our readers to cultivate a deeper devotion to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus by offering ten concrete suggestions. The clearest and most tangible symbol of God’s love for us is the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Burning Furnace of Charity. Draw close with great confidence and allow His Sacred Heart burning with love for you to set your heart on fire with love for Him, and for the salvation of the whole world!

1. BIBLE RESOURCES. First and foremost, we should be keenly aware of the many passages where we can encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Bible, the Word of God. A few passages that can encourage and enrich your meditation:

a) Lk. 1: 26-38. THE ANNUNCIATION. The most Sacred Heart of Jesus was being formed in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the course of her pregnancy, which lasted about nine months. By honoring the most pure womb of Mary we are indirectly honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and promoting respect for human life from conception until natural death.

b) Mt. 11: 28-30. HIS SACRED HEART. Jesus Himself describes His own Heart with two words: meek and humble. Let us often pray this short prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: “Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto thine.”

c) Mt. 26: 26-28. THE LAST SUPPER. It was at the Last Supper that Jesus instituted the most Holy Eucharist which is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Of course, the noblest organ in the human person is the heart. Therefore, when we receive Holy Communion, we also receive the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In a real sense, we can assert that every time we receive Holy Communion we receive a HEART TRANSPLANT!!!

d) Jn. 19: 34. PIERCING OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. After Jesus died, breathing forth His spirit into the hands of the eternal Father, a soldier thrust the lance which pierced the side and the Heart of Jesus, the Savior. From His open side and open Heart came gushing forth both blood and water.

Therefore, these are four Gospel passages that point to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus for your meditation and contemplation. Dig deep into the treasures of Sacred Scripture in which we can encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

2. IMAGE AND ENTHRONEMENT. A practice most pleasing to God is purchasing an attractive image of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus and enthroning this image in a prominent place in your home. By doing this you are stating publicly that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Lord Jesus is the heart and center of your home and family.

3. FORMAL ENTHRONEMENT. Invite a priest into your home with the Book of Blessings in which he can formally bless your home by enthroning the image of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The ritual consists of a Biblical passage, prayers, the use of holy water, and the formal enthronement prayer. Enormous blessings flow from honoring the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially by means of a formal enthronement.

4. LITANY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Get in the habit of praying the Litany of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The mystical, Biblical and poetic beauty of this Litany indeed is most inspiring and uplifting to our spiritual life. (See Litany on Page 3)

5. VISIT THE BLESSED SACRAMENT AND ADORE. When you go to visit the most Blessed Sacrament in the Church—exposed or in the Tabernacle—then you are truly visiting the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint Pope John Paul II asserted that the Tabernacle is indeed the living Heartbeat of the Catholic Church. The more people visiting the Blessed Sacrament—the most Sacred Heart of Jesus—the healthier that Parish is!

6. HOLY COMMUNION: THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. As mentioned earlier, Holy Communion is the total Christ. Therefore, we receive in Holy Communion the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Receive Jesus often, but never in a routine or mechanical fashion, but rather with burning love and devotion!

7. JUNE: THE MONTH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. We should honor, praise, and worship the most Sacred Heart of Jesus always. However, the month of June is the month specifically dedicated to honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all of my trust in you.

8. SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Within the context of the month of June the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This sublime and glorious Solemnity is celebrated on the Friday after the Sunday in which Corpus Christi is celebrated. On this day, in Holy Mass we thank God for His Infinite Love that He has given to us in the Person of Jesus, but most especially in Jesus’ Most Sacred Heart. As we contemplate the open Sacred Heart of Jesus that was pierced with the lance on Good Friday, we come to a keen awareness of how much Jesus really loves each and every one of us, having died for us and allowing His Sacred Heart to be pierced for us.

9. IMITATE THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. Knowledge generates love, love generates imitation, and imitation eventually generates transformation. Saint Paul could assert with utmost sincerity: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”(Gal. 2: 20) The virtues manifested in the Sacred Heart of Jesus are many: humility, compassion, patience, courage, purity, obedience, penance, meekness, and most especially that of charity—supernatural love. By striving to imitate these virtues you will most surely be on the highway to holiness and the highway to heaven.

10. SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY. It would be incomplete if we did not encourage all of those growing in love with the most Sacred Heart of Jesus to cultivate devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. As stated at the start of this essay, the most Sacred Heart of Jesus was formed in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary for nine months. For this reason, why not enthrone images of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus in union with enthronement of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; they are indeed inseparable!

In conclusion, as we struggle in our daily pilgrimage towards heaven in this valley of tears, in this spiritual war-zone, striving to carry our cross and burdens patiently, let us seek refuge frequently in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and in the Immaculate Heart of Mary—the two most safe refuges! Trustfully heed the words that issued from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest; for I am meek and humble of Heart; my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Mt 11:28-30) If we seek refuge in His Sacred Heart in life, then we will be able to rest on His Sacred Heart in heaven for all eternity!

In 1899 Pope Leo XIII approved this Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for public use. A total of 33 invocations, one for each year of life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us. Christ graciously hear us
R. Have mercy on us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the Virgin Mother by the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.   
Heart of Jesus, united substantially with the word of God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Divinity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, whom we have all received, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, rich to all who invoke Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, saturated with revilings, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, crushed for our iniquities, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, made obedient unto death, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Christ graciously spare us.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart. R. Make our hearts like unto Thine.

 Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son and upon the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders unto Thee in the name of sinners; and do Thou, in Thy great goodness, grant pardon to them who seek Thy mercy, in the name of the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You, world without world without end. Amen.

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, bishop

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11^th Lk. 17: 11-19 “One of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. Jesus said in reply, ‘Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?’”

Part 1: Thankfulness to God … by Ann Voskamp
Part 2: SAVING IMMORTAL SOULS FOR ALL ETERNITY! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1: Thankfulness to God… by Ann Voskamp

A friend dared me to start counting one thousand things I loved. I took the dare, accepted the challenge, kept track of one thousand things, one thousand gifts – a thousand graces. Before I knew it, thankfulness to God began fully to change me.

What I actually found – startling! – was more daily wonder and surprising beauty than I had ever expected. And in a few short years, this daily hunt for God’s grace, His glory, had ushered me into a fuller life. A life of joy!

I decided to try to live this giving thanks as I believe Jesus did each day, regardless of His circumstances. And what I found was that in giving thanks for each moment and savoring it as bread from His hand, I’d find sustenance and the grace of God Himself in it.

Even when I am sometimes impatient or unwilling, when I face conflict and heartache, I’ve begun to accept that even the impossible is a possible opportunity to thank God, to experience the goodness and grace of the Giver of all! There is always more grace. And it is always more than I expect.

And you? You in the midst, you in the mire, are you too thinking about counting one thousand gifts, about making your life all about joy in Christ, about loving God and enjoying Him forever? There is so much joy in seeing how He uses our simple act of noticing the blessings He bestows all around us to transform our lives and the lives of those we touch!

Praise Him for the unexpected and the unlikely, for the daily and the difficult, and the graces in disguise. The more you count, the more gifts you will see. Do not disdain the small. The moments add up, and we might come to believe it – the whole earth is full of His glory!

Whatever you do, the practice is intended to be a way of cultivating a habit, of learning to live in praise, to make gratitude and joy your default, to move thanksgiving away from a holiday to a lifestyle – that all the days might be holy and set apart for real joy! God is waiting to reveal so much through your desire to know Him more deeply and completely!

• Go one step further, our gratitude to God should move us to give God what He hungers and thirsts for most and that is the salvation of souls!

PART 2:

SAVING IMMORTAL SOULS FOR ALL ETERNITY! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV  

The powerful words of the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas should move us from the very depths of our souls to do great things for God. These words? “One immortal soul of one person is worth more than the entire created universe.”  

In fact, if we meditate upon the first two chapters in the Bible from the Book of Genesis, we contemplate God as Artist, Architect, Engineer and Builder as He brings all that never before existed into existence. God creates, and all that He created was GOOD!

The water in the immense oceans, the splendid, sparkling and dazzling sky in its remarkable beauty from the first streaks of dawn to the deepening twilight, the flowers and plants in their boundless variety, the multitude of animals from a small squiggly lizard to an immense and muscular rhinoceros—all were brought from non-existence into existence by God the Creator.

Of all the immensity, variety and beauty of creation, nothing can compare to the creation of the human person. In fact, in the eyes of God, man and woman are the very crown and apex of creation. Not only that, all the rest of creation came into existence for the benefit of the human person. If you like, God created all things for the proper use of man and woman so that they might arrive at their eternal destiny—Heaven. For this reason, the human person, given life from God the Author of Life, must use all of creation as a ladder and steppingstone to arrive at Heaven!

The one word that describes Our Lord Jesus Christ best according to Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is that of SAVIOR! Indeed, Jesus came into the world through the Incarnation and consent of the Virgin Mary specifically for that primary purpose—to save all of humanity from sin and bring them into the Kingdom of peace, justice, joy and life—Heaven!

Jesus is the only Savior. Nobody goes to the Father except through His Son, Jesus Christ. However, Jesus wants all of us to do all we can to collaborate with Him in the salvation of the world. Saint Paul expresses it in these pungent words: “Let us fill up what is lacking in the passion of Christ.” (Col. 1:24) Jesus is the only Redeemer, but we can collaborate with Him and become mini Co-Redeemers!

After a bombardment that shook, rattled and partially destroyed a Catholic Church, the Pastor observed that the Crucifix on the wall was severely damaged. Due to the impact of the bomb—the arms and hands, the legs and feet of Jesus on the cross had been destroyed. Utilizing great ingenuity and apostolic zeal, the Pastor posted below the partially destroyed image these words coming from the Sacred Heart of the Savior: “I need your arms and hands, your legs and feet!”

How true! Jesus needs and wants your person—your arms, your hands, your legs, your feet, your voice, and especially the zeal of love in your heart so as to carry the Gospel, the Good News of Salvation, to the distant corners of the earth!

Therefore, let us discern and decide upon ways that we can drop the nets for a catch of souls; go in search of the Lost Sheep and invite the many Prodigal sons and daughters back to the Good Shepherd. The motto of the great Saint John Bosco was: “Give me souls and take all the rest away!” May this likewise be our motto!

1. FERVENT PRAYER. Prayer is the key to salvation. Prayer is the key to the conversion of poor sinners. Prayer unlocks the treasure-chest of God’s graces. Let us lift up fervent prayers every day, especially for the conversion of sinners and their eternal salvation. Remember, one soul is worth more than the whole created universe!

2. INVITE THE LOST SHEEP TO CONFESSION. When all is said and done, bringing a wandering soul, a confused Catholic, an angry and bitter Catholic to the fount of God’s Mercy, manifested and applied through the Sacrament of Confession, can be one of the most efficacious tools in placing this lost sheep back on the Highway to salvation and eternal life.

3. CONFESSION SCHEDULE, EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE, AND EXAMPLE. If a wandering sheep has not been to confession in a long time, they may need a little advice, orientation and encouragement. This you can do by telling them when and where the Confessions are being held. Offer them an examination of conscience pamphlet or booklet explaining the Ten Commandments. Go with them to the place where the priest is hearing Confessions. Then you go to Confession first and come out with a radiant smile. By following this protocol, you have a winner, a winner in saving souls for Christ!

4. A GOOD BOOK. Bad books are proven to be intellectual poison. However, a good book can serve as a catalyst to save a soul. We have never lived in a world with so much information; however, we have never lived in a world with so much confusion. The world is truly a Tower of Babel! This cloud of confusion can be dissipated and cleared by the reading of good books that tell the truth. Many have been saved by reading and reflecting on good books. Recommend a good spiritual book to them! Humdrum to Holy by this author is a practical and easily accessible way to introduce or re-introduce someone to the practice of the faith and to grow deeper in their faith!

5. A GOOD CATHOLIC FRIEND. That good Catholic friend should be you and me. As a priest, many people come to me with their problems in all shapes, forms and sizes. Off the bat I tell them that I cannot solve their problems, but I know the Person who can solve their problems—JESUS THE LORD. Like Saint John the Baptist, I point to the Lord Jesus as the only Savior. We should not have a Messiah-complex—believing that we can save. Wrong! Only Jesus can save! Fulton Sheen put it in these words: “The starting point of our spiritual life has two principles: there is a God, and it is not you!!!” Again, only Jesus can save! Like John the Baptist, let us be human signposts pointing to Jesus.

6. A RETREAT EXPERIENCE. One of the principal reasons why the modern person remains stuck in the mud of their own ignorance and sin is due to a world filled with noise, a world filled with excessive movement, resulting in a lack of silence which does not allow for reflection, meditation, and examination of conscience. A spiritual retreat—for a weekend, eight days, or even a month—can serve as a powerful means to examine one’s life and make radical changes. Promote retreats, especially Ignatian Retreats. These can really be conversion experiences!

7. APOSTOLATE OF SUFFERING. Jesus willingly chose the cross—His passion and suffering, as the means by which He would save all of humanity. Your suffering has infinite value, most especially for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of souls if united to Jesus in His Passion, death and Resurrection. Do not waste your suffering but offer it for the salvation of immortal souls!

8. OFFER MASSES. A sequel to the concept of suffering is that of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. As a priest, many mothers come to me in tears with a broken heart because their children no longer practice their faith and have so many doubts. My advice: have Masses offered for the conversion of sinners, starting with your own children, and for the salvation of immortal souls. By far, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the most efficacious tool or means of conversion and salvation. One drop of the Precious Blood of Jesus that He shed on Calvary is enough to save the whole universe!

9. PATIENCE, PATIENCE, AND EVEN MORE PATIENCE. One of the most powerful and exemplary models of patience in the pursuit of sinners and their conversion and eternal salvation is the person and example of Saint Monica. Talk about a dysfunctional family, Monica had one and in the most full sense of the term! A husband who was violent, a drunk, and a womanizer! A wayward son addicted to sexual pleasure! And finally, a gossipy mother-in-law! Through Monica’s prayers, penance, patience and perseverance, God gave power and grace for the conversion of the whole family! Follow the example of Saint Monica and imitate her prayers, penance, and most of all her patience!

1p. OUR LADY: REFUGE OF SINNERS! The famous prayer rings so true related to the conversion of sinners and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it is the Memorare! The words? “Never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided…” The great Saint Frances de Sales received a deluge of grace, comfort and consolation when he prayed this prayer in the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Paris. In our lives, may the prayers of Mary prove victorious in the conversion and salvation of countless souls, beginning with our families! Remember the words of the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas: “One immortal soul is worth more than the whole created universe.” Let us work energetically with Jesus and Mary, the angels and saints, to save an abundant harvest of souls for the eternal Banquet—Heaven!

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10^TH   Lk. 17: 7-10 “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants, we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

• Let us not be satisfied with doing only what we are obliged to do; rather, let us strive to become the saints God created us to be! These words are for every Catholic Christian who has vowed to leave worldliness behind and live in holiness of life as married, single, or religious, following in the footsteps of our loving Savior.

Part 1: Growth in Holiness by Saint Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini
Part 2: INSPIRING WORDS OF MARY MOST HOLY by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1: Growth in Holiness by Saint Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini

That dear, loving Redeemer has favored us with His loving gaze, removed us from the dense darkness of the world and introduced us into the house of His divine Heart, surrounding us with His admirable light.

As long as we are faithful to our vocation, Jesus is always in our midst and He inflames our hearts with great, divine love. Sometimes He will put our love and faith to the test, but, if we are faithful to our vow and pray to Him with trust, never forgetting that the source and cause of our joy is among us, He will very soon inundate us with light and heavenly joy. He will always be with us in our trials, walking with us and sustaining us. He Himself promised us, calling us to follow Him closely, and His Word will never fail.

Sometimes we may have to suffer along the way that leads to the holy mountain of perfection, but we will not be discouraged because whoever ignores the purpose of Christian suffering does not recognize and know what is great and wonderful in their days!

The science of suffering is the science of the saints. Let us then be glad when an unexpected cross presents itself, and we are afflicted with pain. These are choice fruits of the mystic vine, destined to bear inestimable merits for our souls. When you have to suffer, do not go about sighing like those who don’t know its value! Lift up your eyes and smile sweetly on what you suffer, which is like a field turning golden for the harvest. Those who know how to reap in this field will receive the reward.

With gentle sweetness always unite your suffering with that of Jesus. Then your travail, suffered for Jesus and His divine Heart, will become as many droplets immersed in the immense ocean of His Passion. In this manner, our tribulations and pains united to those of our beloved Jesus will become not only holy but divinized and worthy of eternal glory. In suffering for Jesus, we share in His riches so that graces for ourselves or for our mission to sanctify souls will never be lacking along our pilgrimage.

Be wise, then, and never waste sufferings by enduring them but with complaints, or in a worldly fashion, without a supernatural end. Reflect in every trial there is an admirable secret work of grace and the sweet chain of our predestination.  End

Part 2: INSPIRING WORDS OF MARY MOST HOLY by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Lk. 6:45). These words were uttered by Jesus who is the Incarnate Word, the Logos, and the greatest of all the Teachers that the world has ever known! The essential message in the interpretation of this short sentence is the following: we can get to know who a person is by the words that issue from their mouth, because those words really issue forth from the center of their being—from their very heart. Ugly, profane, indecent, uncouth words all flow from a person’s bad heart. On the contrary, noble, profound, pure, enlightening, and holy words emanate from a person whose heart is pure, whose heart is holy.

THE WORDS OF MARY: WORDS OF HOLINESS, WISDOM, AND INSPIRATION.  The four Gospels mostly recount the words, actions, and gestures of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It should be an ardent pursuit of our lifetime to come to know, love, and put into practice the words of Jesus in the Gospels which are the life of Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Jesus is the way to the Father and the way to eternal life. Also of great importance are the words that we have of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Sacred Scripture.

THE SEVEN WORDS/SAYINGS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.  The words or sayings that we have of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Gospels are not many, actually no more than seven. Indeed, one of the words we do not know exactly what it was but we can conjecture. Nonetheless, the few words that we have of Mary most holy are words of great depth, holiness, and wisdom—words that we also should get to know, love, memorize, and incorporate into our daily lives.

FIRST WORD:  “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Lk. 1:34) The context of this first Word of Mary is the Annunciation. Mary is approached by the Archangel Gabriel who announces to her the Good News that she is to be the Mother of God. Having made of a vow of virginity, Mary asks a clarifying question: “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” God’s messenger states that the conception will be the work of the Holy Spirit, meaning Mary will remain a virgin. He also reveals that her elderly kinswoman, Elizabeth, is already in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible for God. A clear message for us today is the following: we should be faithful to our promises and try to live a life of great innocence and purity. This can be done through the example and prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

SECOND WORD:  “Behold, I am the Handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your Word.” (Lk. 1:38) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us! This second Word of Mary, known in Latin as her FIAT, resulted in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity in the most pure womb of the Virgin Mary. Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary is one Person—a Divine Person, with two natures—a Divine nature and a human nature. We can derive many profound messages from Mary’s Fiat or Yes. First, Mary teaches us that true joy can only come from imitating her in saying YES to God in all times, places, and circumstances. Second, we owe eternal gratitude to Mary because as a result of her YES, Jesus came into the world as our Savior. In other words, we can be saved and go to heaven because of the YES of Mary in accepting Jesus into her womb, into her life, and into the life of the world so as to save us from eternal sorrow, sadness, and separation from God. We owe an enormous THANKS for Mary’s YES!!!

THIRD WORD: MARY’S GREETING TO ELIZABETH.  This third word of Mary can be found in the context of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Saint Elizabeth. The Biblical text simply states that Mary greeted Elizabeth. (Lk. 1:40) We can surmise that the greeting consisted of the typical form of greeting of the Jewish people 2000 years ago, and that would be SHALOM—meaning: Peace be with you! How does this word of Mary touch us? Hopefully in many positive ways. First, we should be kind enough to always greet other people, especially family members and friends, but even those whom we do not particularly like. Second, we should desire and pray to live in peace with God, in peace within our own hearts, and in peace with others. Third, we should desire that others experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is Peace. One of the beautiful titles of Mary is QUEEN OF PEACE!!!

FOURTH WORD: THE MAGNFICAT OF MARY.  These words are a most sublime, profound, and inspiring hymn of praise that burst forth from the Immaculate Heart of Mary during her conversation with Saint Elizabeth in the Joyful Mystery of the Visitation. Mary’s words are prayed by the Church every evening in Vespers or Evening prayer:

THE MAGNIFICAT…

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
For He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed,
For the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of His arm,
He has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of His servant Israel,
for He has remembered His promise of mercy,
the promise He made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.  (Lk. 1:46-55)

Mary teaches us immense lessons of wisdom in her MAGNIFICAT. First, Mary teaches us the great importance of prayer. Second, the importance of fearing and adoring God in His greatness. Third, Mary teaches us humility and reliance on God as our strength and our sustenance. Finally, Mary most Holy, in this prayer, can teach us how to worship Jesus after Holy Communion in Mass. Saint Louis de Montfort, in True Devotion to Mary, suggests that we pray Mary’s Magnificat in thanksgiving after receiving Jesus into our hearts in Holy Communion!

FIFTH WORD OF MARY: JESUS FOUND IN THE TEMPLE. The fifth Word of Mary can be found in the context of the fifth Joyful Mystery, the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple after three days of sorrowful search, anxiety, and anguish. Mary says to the 12-year-old Child Jesus: “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you in great anxiety.” (Lk. 2:48) Once again, there is a treasure-house of wisdom contained in this short sentence, in these few words of the Blessed Virgin Mary. First, Mary teaches us to be constantly in search of Jesus. Second, Mary wants us to discover Jesus in the depths of our hearts. Third, Mary teaches us that if we have lost Jesus in the depths of our hearts due to serious sin, we should bring Him back through sorrow and the Sacrament of Confession. Lastly, we should discover who Jesus is by mediating often on the Word of God.

SIXTH WORD OF MARY: WEDDING FEAST OF CANA.  The sixth word of Mary can be found in the context of the second Luminous Mystery—The Wedding Feast of Cana. (Jn. 2:1-12) Mary notices a serious and embarrassing problem for the newly married couple: the wine has run out! Mary says to Jesus: “They have no wine.” (Jn. 2:3) Even though no more than four words, there is much depth and matter to meditate upon in these words of Mary at the Wedding Feast of Cana. First, Mary’s eyes and Immaculate Heart are always open and attentive to our problems and our needs. Second, Mary teaches us to turn and lift up our eyes to Jesus. Third, Mary cares for all, but especially those with problems. Fourth, Mary wants to bless Marriage and the family which today especially are going through many crises and problems.

SEVENTH WORD OF MARY: WEDDING FEAST OF CANA.  Aware of the shortage of wine and of the presence and power of Jesus the Lord, Mary says these few words as she turns to the servers: “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn. 2:5) Once again, these words of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which are the last recorded in the Gospels, are jam-packed with infinite wisdom for all those whose have a mind and heart open to God. First message, Mary turns to Jesus; she wants us always to turn to Jesus. Second, Mary is keenly aware of the problems that we have in our lives. Third, Mary ardently desires to help us with our problems. Fourth, Mary can help our water be transformed into wine—that is to say, through Mary’s intercession our problems can be resolved. Fifth, Mary is the Mediatrix of all graces—meaning all the graces that come to us indeed come from God, but through the intercession of Mary! Sixth and last, these last words of Mary might be considered the best advice in the world—do whatever Jesus wants and asks of us!!!

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

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“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9^TH Jn. 2: 13-22   Feast of Dedication of Lateran Basilica   “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Part 1: Holy Indifference and the true Story of Father Tong Che-Tche
Part 2: SAVING IMMORTAL SOULS FOR ALL ETERNITY! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1:  Holy Indifference and the true Story of Father Tong Che-Tche… AMDG – All for the Greater Honor and Glory of God.

In 1951, the Chinese Communist government was trying to force Catholics in China to pledge allegiance only to the government and not to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. Some in the Church gave in to this evil demand, including the Priest Vicar of the Nanking Diocese. A local priest, Father Tong Che-Tche, was arrested and charged with treason because he was loyal to the one true Church of Christ.

This is the statement Father Tong Che-Tche made at his trial:
“Today, a movement which has grown up outside the Catholic hierarchy is urging us to attack him who represents the Pope, who represents Jesus Christ. Gentlemen, I have only one soul and I cannot divide it up; but I have a body which can be divided up. It seems to me that the best thing to do is to offer my whole soul to God and the holy Church, and my body to my country.  Since I cannot remedy the conflict (in which Church and State are opposed), there is nothing I can do better than offer my soul to one side and my body to the other in sacrifice, in the hope of promoting understanding between them. 

I am a Chinese Catholic. I love my country, just as I dissociate myself from everything that is opposed to the laws of my Church, and above all things, I dissociate myself from everything that can sow discord. But if the Church and Government cannot come to an agreement, sooner or later every Chinese Catholic will have nothing left to do but die. Then why should not one offer one’s body at once to hasten the mutual understanding of the parties concerned.”  Father Tong Che-Tche   June 2, 1951

Upon hearing this statement of Father Tong Che-Tche, the Priest Vicar recanted his pledge of allegiance to the Chinese Communist government and made a public Solemn Profession of Faith in the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church from the pulpit. He was arrested and both he and Father Tong Che-Tche were executed by the government.

Editor’s Comment: We do not know the power of our witness to Christ in our daily lives. We only know that we must be willing to accept any inconvenience, discomfort, pain or suffering to bring others to Christ! Fr. Ed gives us clear, practical steps to arrive at heaven bringing many others with us! AMDG – All for the Honor and Glory of God!!!

PART 2:  SAVING IMMORTAL SOULS FOR ALL ETERNITY! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

The powerful words of the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas should move us from the very depths of our souls to do great things for God. These words? “One immortal soul of one person is worth more than the entire created universe.”

In fact, if we meditate upon the first two chapters in the Bible from the Book of Genesis, we contemplate God as Artist, Architect, Engineer and Builder as He brings all that never  before existed into existence. God creates, and all that He created was GOOD!

The water in the immense oceans, the splendid, sparkling and dazzling sky in its remarkable beauty from the first streaks of dawn to the deepening twilight, the flowers and plants in their boundless variety, the multitude of animals from a small squiggly lizard to an immense and muscular rhinoceros—all were brought from non-existence into existence by God the Creator.

Of all the immensity, variety and beauty of creation, nothing can compare to the creation of the human person. In fact, in the eyes of God, man and woman are the very crown and apex of creation. Not only that, all the rest of creation came into existence for the benefit of the human person. If you like, God created all things for the proper use of man and woman so that they might arrive at their eternal destiny—Heaven. For this reason, the human person, given life from God the Author of Life, must use all of creation as a ladder and steppingstone to arrive at Heaven!

The one word that describes Our Lord Jesus Christ best according to Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is that of SAVIOR! Indeed, Jesus came into the world through the Incarnation and consent of the Virgin Mary specifically for that primary purpose—to save all of humanity from sin and bring them into the Kingdom of peace, justice, joy and life—Heaven!

Jesus is the only Savior. Nobody goes to the Father except through His Son, Jesus Christ. However, Jesus wants all of us to do all we can to collaborate with Him in the salvation of the world. Saint Paul expresses it in these pungent words: “Let us fill up what is lacking in the passion of Christ.” (Col. 1:24) Jesus is the only Redeemer, but we can collaborate with Him and become mini Co-Redeemers!

After a bombardment that shook, rattled and partially destroyed a Catholic Church, the Pastor observed that the Crucifix on the wall was severely damaged. Due to the impact of the bomb—the arms and hands, the legs and feet of Jesus on the cross had been destroyed. Utilizing great ingenuity and apostolic zeal, the Pastor posted below the partially destroyed image these words coming from the Sacred Heart of the Savior: “I need your arms and hands, your legs and feet!”

How true! Jesus needs and wants your person—your arms, your hands, your legs, your feet, your voice, and especially the zeal of love in your heart so as to carry the Gospel, the Good News of Salvation, to the distant corners of the earth!

Therefore, let us discern and decide upon ways that we can drop the nets for a catch of souls; go in search of the Lost Sheep and invite the many Prodigal sons and daughters back to the Good Shepherd. The motto of the great Saint John Bosco was: “Give me souls and take all the rest away!” May this likewise be our motto!

1. FERVENT PRAYER. Prayer is the key to salvation. Prayer is the key to the conversion of poor sinners. Prayer unlocks the treasure-chest of God’s graces. Let us lift up fervent prayers every day, especially for the conversion of sinners and their eternal salvation. Remember, one soul is worth more than the whole created universe!

2. INVITE THE LOST SHEEP TO CONFESSION. When all is said and done, bringing a wandering soul, a confused Catholic, an angry and bitter Catholic to the fount of God’s Mercy, manifested and applied through the Sacrament of Confession, can be one of the most efficacious tools in placing this lost sheep back on the Highway to salvation and eternal life.

3. CONFESSION SCHEDULE, EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE, AND EXAMPLE. If a wandering sheep has not been to confession in a long time, they may need a little advice, orientation and encouragement. This you can do by telling them when and where the Confessions are being held. Offer them an examination of conscience pamphlet or booklet explaining the Ten Commandments. Go with them to the place where the priest is hearing Confessions. Then you go to Confession first and come out with a radiant smile. By following this protocol, you have a winner, a winner in saving souls for Christ!

4. A GOOD BOOK. Bad books are proven to be intellectual poison. However, a good book can serve as a catalyst to save a soul. We have never lived in a world with so much information; however, we have never lived in a world with so much confusion. The world is truly a Tower of Babel! This cloud of confusion can be dissipated and cleared by the reading of good books that tell the truth. Many have been saved by reading and reflecting on good books. Recommend a good spiritual book to them! Humdrum to Holy by this author is a practical and easily accessible way to introduce or re-introduce someone to the practice of the faith and to grow deeper in their faith!

5. A GOOD CATHOLIC FRIEND. That good Catholic friend should be you and me. As a priest, many people come to me with their problems in all shapes, forms and sizes. Off the bat I tell them that I cannot solve their problems, but I know the Person who can solve their problems—JESUS THE LORD. Like Saint John the Baptist, I point to the Lord Jesus as the only Savior. We should not have a Messiah-complex—believing that we can save. Wrong! Only Jesus can save! Fulton Sheen put it in these words: “The starting point of our spiritual life has two principles: there is a God, and it is not you!!!” Again, only Jesus can save! Like John the Baptist, let us be human signposts pointing to Jesus.

6. A RETREAT EXPERIENCE. One of the principal reasons why the modern person remains stuck in the mud of their own ignorance and sin is due to a world filled with noise, a world filled with excessive movement, resulting in a lack of silence which does not allow for reflection, meditation, and examination of conscience. A spiritual retreat—for a weekend, eight days, or even a month—can serve as a powerful means to examine one’s life and make radical changes. Promote retreats, especially Ignatian Retreats. These can really be conversion experiences!

7. APOSTOLATE OF SUFFERING. Jesus willingly chose the cross—His passion and suffering, as the means by which He would save all of humanity. Your suffering has infinite value, most especially for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of souls if united to Jesus in His Passion, death and Resurrection. Do not waste your suffering but offer it for the salvation of immortal souls!

8. OFFER MASSES. A sequel to the concept of suffering is that of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. As a priest, many mothers come to me in tears with a broken heart because their children no longer practice their faith and have so many doubts. My advice: have Masses offered for the conversion of sinners, starting with your own children, and for the salvation of immortal souls. By far, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the most efficacious tool or means of conversion and salvation. One drop of the Precious Blood of Jesus that He shed on Calvary is enough to save the whole universe!

9. PATIENCE, PATIENCE, AND EVEN MORE PATIENCE. One of the most powerful and exemplary models of patience in the pursuit of sinners and their conversion and eternal salvation is the person and example of Saint Monica. Talk about a dysfunctional family, Monica had one and in the most full sense of the term! A husband who was violent, a drunk, and a womanizer! A wayward son addicted to sexual pleasure! And finally, a gossipy mother-in-law! Through Monica’s prayers, penance, patience and perseverance, God granted power and grace for the conversion of the whole family! Follow the example of Saint Monica and imitate her prayers, penance, and most of all her patience!

10. OUR LADY: REFUGE OF SINNERS! The famous prayer rings so true related to the conversion of sinners and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it is the Memorare! The words? “Never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided…”The great Saint Frances de Sales received a deluge of grace, comfort and consolation when he prayed this prayer in the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Paris. In our lives, may the prayers of Mary prove victorious in the conversion and salvation of countless souls, beginning with our families! Remember the words of the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas: “One immortal soul is worth more than the whole created universe.” Let us work energetically with Jesus and Mary, the angels and saints, to save an abundant harvest of souls for the eternal Banquet—Heaven!

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

“For greater things you were born.” (Ven. Mother Luisita)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8^TH   Mt. 25: 1-13 “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.”

• Five wise virgins brought oil for their lamps, and five foolish Virgins failed to bring oil for their lamps. The lamp represents our soul, and the oil is sanctifying grace in our soul. The foolish virgins ran out of oil which represents mortal sin.
• The remedy for mortal sin is to make a good confession to a priest. However, we know not the hour nor the day when the bridegroom will return. If we die with no oil in our lamp, that is, in the state of mortal sin, we are lost for all eternity!
• Today, let us meditate on another Virgin whose soul was always filled with the oil of sanctifying grace; she alone is called the full of grace. She can help us stay in the state of sanctifying grace and so be ready when the Bridegroom comes for us, we know not the hour nor the day! The Virgin’s name is Mary.

Part 1: The Virgin’s Name was Mary by Saint Bernard, Doctor of the Church
Part 2: A HAPPY AND VICTORIOUS ENDING by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1: The Virgin’s Name was Mary…   From a homily by Saint Bernard, Doctor of the Church

“And the Virgin’s name was Mary.” Let us now say a few words about this name, which means “Star of the Sea” and is so becoming to the Virgin Mother.

Surely she is very fittingly likened to a star. The star sends forth its ray without harm to itself. In the same way the Virgin brought forth her son with no injury to herself. The ray no more diminishes the star’s brightness than does the Son His mother’s integrity.

Mary is indeed that noble star risen out of Jacob whose beam enlightens this earthly globe. She it is whose brightness both twinkles in the highest heaven and pierces the pit of hell, and is shed upon the earth, warming our hearts far more than our bodies, fostering virtue and cauterizing vice.

She is that splendid and wondrous star suspended as by necessity over this great wide sea, radiant with merit and brilliant in example.

O you, whoever you are, who feel that in the tidal wave of this world you are nearer to being tossed about among the squalls and gales than treading on dry land, if you do not want to flounder in the tempest, do not avert your eyes from the brightness of this star.

When the wind of temptation blows up within you, when you strike upon the rock of tribulation, gaze up at this star, call out to Mary.  

Whether you are being tossed about by the waves of pride or ambition or slander or jealousy, gaze up at this star, call out to Mary. When rage or greed or fleshly desires are battering the skiff of your soul, gaze up at Mary.   

When the immensity of your sins weighs you down and you are bewildered by the loathsomeness of your conscience, when the terrifying thought of judgment appalls you and you begin to flounder in the gulf of sadness and despair, think of Mary.  

In dangers, in hardships, in every doubt, think of Mary, call out to Mary. Keep her in your mouth, keep her in your heart. Follow the example of her life and you will obtain the favor of her prayer. Following her, you will never go astray. Asking her help, you will never despair. Keeping her in your thoughts, you will never wander away. With your hand in hers, you will never stumble.

With her protecting you, you will not be afraid. With her leading you, you will never tire. Her kindness will see you through to the end. Then you will know by your own experience how true it is that “the Virgin’s name was Mary.”

PART 2: A HAPPY AND VICTORIOUS ENDING by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

As a young man, Saint Francis de Sales was assaulted with thoughts of confusion, sadness, and near-despair. Due to erroneous theological ideas—that of Jansenism—Francis could barely eat or sleep, and life proved to be an almost unbearable cross. However, an occurrence took place that radically transformed the life of this young man. Entering into a Church dedicated to Mary, under the title Our Lady of Victories, the young Francis knelt down in front of a beautiful image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There he found a prayer to Mary, commonly known as the Memorare, attributed to the Doctor of the Church, the Mellifluous Doctor, Saint Bernard. With all of his heart, mind, soul, and strength, Francis prayed this prayer to Mary:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee do I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

A MIRACULOUS CHANGE: THE CLOUD LIFTED! After praying this prayer with fervor and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a miracle occurred in young Francis. The dense cloud of sadness, almost despair—lifted, dissipated, and vanished, as if it were, into thin air! The sad, melancholic, and hopeless disposition that had almost consumed him, was transformed in the depths of his soul into peace, happiness, joy, and renewed hope! He was a new young man! This miraculous transformation can certainly be attributed to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who never fails to come to the rescue of her children! From that moment on, Frances had an intimate, filial, tender, and dynamic love and devotion to Mary, which was manifested in his frequent praying of the Memorare.

HIGHWAY TO HOLINESS.  Surmounting this interior obstacle, young Francis went on with his studies—that of Law. But this was not his real vocation! The young man studied and was ordained a priest. He became a great missionary in Chablis, Switzerland, where thousands were converted back to Catholicism from Calvinism, largely due to the holiness and apostolic zeal of Father Francis de Sales. He was consecrated a Bishop when he was only in his thirties! Thereafter he dedicated a huge block of his evangelizing efforts to writing. Two of his literary masterpieces were Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on Love. Not having reached sixty years of age, Francis passed away. Now we know him as Saint Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church.

The purpose of this short story on the life of Saint Francis de Sales is to highlight the supreme importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of this saint! Having stood on the edge of the steep precipice of despair, it was due to the powerful intercession of Mary through the Marian prayer attributed to Saint Bernard, the Memorare, that Frances surmounted this overwhelming interior roadblock.

OUR HOPE AND PRAYER.  It is our final hope and prayer that in imitation of Saint Francis de Sales, this great Saint and Doctor of the Church, as well as the many other great saints and lovers of Mary, that you will have frequent, filial recourse to Mary. We hope  your knowledge, love, devotion, and trust in Mary will soar high as the eagle soars! We hope and pray that Mary, your gentle, loving, and all-powerful Mother, will have a central place in your life and your heart with Jesus, your Lord and Savior! Your heart in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and this forever! Therefore, may you wake up each day and consecrate yourself to Jesus through Mary. May you walk and talk to Mary throughout your day as your friend, guide, companion, and Mother—your life, your sweetness, and your hope. In your joys, may you rejoice with Mary, and in your sorrows, may you weep with Mary. In your moments of trial and temptation, may you seek refuge in Mary, the modern Noah’s Ark!

FINAL DESIRE.  And of greatest importance, we pray that Our Lady will be present to you at all times, but most especially in the hour of your death, in the last minute of your death, in the last second of your death. May it be through the powerful intercession of Mary that you die in the state of grace, which is the grace of all graces! So that upon dying, you will open your eyes to be welcomed into the eternal and loving embrace of Jesus, the Son of Mary, who will be your Lord, God, King, Friend and Lover for all eternity! Through Mary, may the end of your life be a HAPPY AND VICTORIOUS ENDING!

Copyright 2020 Oblates of the Virgin Mary
St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA