September 17 2024 - St. Robert Bellarmine - Learning and Virtue

 The Opening Prayer for the Mass referred to the Bishop Robert Bellarmine’s wonderful learning and virtue.

Regarding his learning: even as a youth in Tuscany, young St. Robert was devoted to studying Church History, the Fathers of the Church, and Scripture, He was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1570, a time when the Church needed to address her teaching in light of rapidly spreading Protestant heresies.

St. Robert became a professor at what is now the Jesuit-run Gregorian University in Rome and his lectures there became the basis of his most famous work, his three-volume Disputationes de Controversiis Christianae Fidei adversus hujus temporis Haereticos—“Disputations Concerning the Controversies of the Christian Faith Against the Heretics of This Time” containing the lucid and uncompromising explanation of Catholic doctrine in light of errors of his day. He served as a theologian to the pope and published two important catechisms

Regarding his virtue: when he was made a Cardinal by Pope Clement VIII, St. Robert insisted on living a simple life rather than embracing the privileges he could have enjoyed.  He abstained from luxurious meals, and gave away many of his possession to clothe the poor.   

Bellarmine understood that if he were to combat the overwhelming heresies during the time of the Reformation, he would need to be guided by the powers above. It was for this reason that Bellarmine had an undying devotion to the Virgin Mary.  Each Saturday the saint would fast in her honor, and devoted every morning to the recitation of the Office of the Blessed Virgin.

Pope Pius XI said that  “Saint Robert Bellarmine is to be numbered among the greatest men in the history of the Church, whom God in His providence has endowed with exceptional learning and sanctity to teach the truths of the Catholic Faith and defend its integrity against the attacks of the heretics.”

Here was a man totally dedicated to Christ and His Church.  He is an example of the wise man in the Gospel who built his life on the solid rock of the Gospel because of his desire for heaven and to help others get there, too.

St. Bellarmine wrote: “if you are wise, then know that you have been created for the glory of God and for your eternal salvation.  This is your goal; this is the center of your life; this is the treasure of your heart.  If you reach this goal, you will find happiness.  If you fail to reach it, you will find misery.”

Through his intercession and that of Our Lady to whom he was so devoted, may we develop the learning and virtue God desires for us for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that like St. Robert Bellarmine, we may be steadfast in defending and explaining our faith with clarity and conviction, and that theologians and teachers of the faith, may be blessed with wisdom and virtue as they guide others in understanding Catholic doctrine. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those in positions of authority, that they may follow St. Robert's example of humility and simplicity, using their roles to serve others rather than seeking privilege. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling with doubts or questions about their faith, that they may find clarity and renewed commitment to Christ and His Church, and that all of us may build our lives on the solid rock of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.

That the sick and the poor may know the compassion and charity of the Church and the closeness of God in their afflictions.

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.

Heavenly Father, we bring these petitions before You on this memorial of St. Robert Bellarmine. Through his intercessions grant us what we truly need to keep our hearts fixed on the glory of Your kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Assumption 2024 - Imploring Mary's Heavenly Intercession

 In a little discourse on the Assumption of Mary, the great doctor St. Alphonsus Ligouri opines that “it would seem just that the holy Church, on this day of the Assumption of Mary to heaven, should rather invite us to weep than to rejoice, since our sweet mother has quitted this earth, and left us bereft of her sweet presence…”

Many of us here, have experienced the end our mother’s earthly life, and no doubt, there were tears shed. And justly so, for the passing of the woman who nurtured us, fed us, bathed us, taught us and consoled us is cause for tears.

And on this day of the Assumption, it would seem that we would be sorrowful, that both heaven and earth would be sorrowful. That we would don earthly purple vestments, and fast in grief at the anniversary of our spiritual mother’s earthly life.

But Alphonsus goes on, he says, “ But no, the holy Church invites us to rejoice. The official entrance antiphon for the Assumption says, "Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival in honor of the Virgin Mary at whose Assumption the Angels rejoice....” For, “What child wouldn’t rejoice, although separated from his mother, if he knows that she is going to take possession of a kingdom?”

Today is the celebration of Our Lady, entering that blessed country, heaven. The Queen takes her place at the right hand of the King, where she continues to exercise a very important role in the dispensation of grace. 

Our Scripture readings point emphasize her unique role as loving queen of heaven. In the First Reading, we read of the woman of heaven, crowned with twelve stars, as a queen embracing the Christ child in love. The Psalm spoke of a queen charitably turning her ear to the people of the father’s house. And in the Gospel we read of Mary going in haste to the charitable assistance of her kinswoman Elizabeth.

Mary is assumed into heaven and crowned as Queen by the Holy Trinity--the Queen who continues to turn her ear to the needs of God’s people who cry to her in our need. Her assumption does not mean an absence from the needs of humanity, rather, since she is now closest to God in heaven, she is close to us as well—close enough to hear our every plea, and to bring that petition to the throne of God.

Today is a marvelous day to consider the importance of a vibrant Marian devotion. Each day, we do well to turn to the heavenly intercession of Our Queen—to bring to her our needs, the needs of our family and friends, the needs of our nation, our leaders, the needs of the Church, the needs of the sick and the poor, the needs of the unevangelized to be open to the word of God, and the needs of those who have turned away from Christ in sin and error.

Our Lady is the most powerful intercessor, and not a day should go by where we do not seek her aid by imploring her intercession. But especially today. Today is a day for honoring our Lady, on the day that she is brought closer to God than she ever was before in order to be brought closest to us as our most powerful intercessor. Blessed Mother, assumed into heaven, pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church, that like Mary, we may always be ready to serve others in their need and bring Christ to the world, and for an increase in Marian devotion among all Christians, that we may daily seek Our Lady's aid and strive to imitate her virtues. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all leaders in government and public service, that they may be guided by wisdom and compassion in their decision-making, and for the renewal of our nation and our world, that under the patronage of Mary, we may work towards a society of justice, peace, and reverence for all human life. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the unevangelized, that, their hearts may be opened to receive the Good News of salvation, and that those who have turned away from the faith, through Our Lady's prayers, may rediscover the joy of a relationship with Christ and His Church. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the sick, the suffering, and the poor, and for those who mourn: may they find comfort in Mary's maternal care and her assumption into heavenly glory. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the dead, especially our departed family members and friends, that they may share in the glory of the resurrection, as foreshadowed by Mary's assumption. Let us pray to the Lord.

We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.

April 28 2021 - St. Louie Marie de Montfort - Love of Mary bears fruit in our souls

 The priest St. Louie Marie de Montfort is one of the great Marian saints of history. He is one of the patron saints of the Legion of Mary; in fact, he is quoted more than any of the saints in the Legion Handbook.

His words "Totus tuus ego sum” became well known in the last few decades, when they were taken by Pope St. John Paul II as his papal motto. The sainted Pope dedicated his papacy entirely to Mary, and encouraged members of the Church to turn to her as well.

In the Gospel today, the Lord says, “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” Having been sent by the Father, Jesus comes into a world that is fallen and in the spiritual darkness of sin. It is sometimes difficult to believe, and to remain committed disciples of the Lord. It is difficult to follow him amidst so many worldly temptations.

Well, today’s Saint, would say, let Mary help you believe. Give yourself to Mary. She loved Jesus more than anyone in history. She will help you love him too. The greater our doubts, the more we should turn to Mary for help. The greater our temptations, the more we should turn to Mary.

When from the Cross, the Lord said, “behold your mother”, he meant more than just keeping her picture on our mantle. He wants us to study her, to imitate her, to hold her in our hearts as he did. For she will help us in the Christian way like no other. 

In his book “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”, which John Paul II carried with him and read often, Saint Louis wrote, “Mary is the fruitful Virgin, and in all the souls in which she comes to dwell she causes to flourish purity of heart and body, rightness of intention and abundance of good works. Do not imagine that Mary, the most fruitful of creatures who gave birth to a God, remains barren in a faithful soul. It will be she who makes the soul live incessantly for Jesus Christ, and will make Jesus live in the soul”.

St. Louie’s feast prepares us well for the upcoming month of May, dedicated to our Lady, in which we are to increase the fervor of our Marian devotion, that the abundant life of Christ might increase in us and willingly be spread by us for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

For deeper Marian devotion amongst all Christians, that the Church may more deeply share in Mary’s Easter joy in the Resurrection of her Son.

That through Immaculate Mary, Queen of Peace, hatred, violence, and cruelty will diminish, and purity, righteousness and faith may increase.   

For those whose hearts are hardened against or cold toward Our Lady, that they may come to know her great maternal love for them, for the Church, and all mankind.

That the sick may draw strength, consolation, and healing by turning to Our Lady, Mediatrix of Grace and Help of the Afflicted. 

That all of our beloved dead and all the souls in purgatory may come to the glory of the Resurrection.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the desires of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our lord.

 

October 7 2020 - Our Lady of the Rosary - Flying to Our Lady with Increased Fervor

Today’s Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, was established to honor the power of Our Lady’s intercession through the rosary at a decisive moment in history: The Battle of Lepanto, when an outnumbered Christian fleet liberated the Western Mediterranean and Western Europe by defeating an armada of Muslim Turks. 

In 1883, Pope Leo XII designated the month of October as the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, and a year later, he wrote an encyclical on the subject. Listen to his powerful words: “Last year, as each of you is aware, We decreed by an Encyclical Letter that, to win the help of Heaven for the Church in her trials, the great Mother of God should be honored by the means of the most holy Rosary during the whole of the month of October. In this We followed both Our own impulse and the example of Our predecessors, who in times of difficulty were wont to have recourse with increased fervor to the Blessed Virgin, and to seek her aid with special prayers.”

Of course, we love and honor our mother and our lady throughout our Christian life, but Pope Leo says that at time of difficulty it is important to turn to her with increased fervor. 

I think this is true in the life of every Catholic. When we are facing great battles, like that battle of Lepanto, where we seem outnumbered, where we face overwhelming odds, where the powers of hell seem to be conspiring against us, we need to turn with increased fervor to Our Lady.

But also, I would dare to say that these past few months, these past few years, for the Church as a whole, is a time where increased fervor in our Marian Devotion is needed. 

It is also interesting to note that Pope Leo saw the Holy Rosary as a weapon against a pandemic. Asiatic Cholera had reached from India across western Asia to Europe, Great Britain, and the Americas, as well as east to China and Japan. 

To Mary, therefore, we must fly, says Pope Leo, “to her whom rightly and justly the Church entitles the dispenser of saving, aiding, and protecting gifts – that she, graciously hearkening to our prayers, may grant us the help they besought, and drive far from us the unclean plague.”

So, let us fly to our Lady with renewed fervor, confident that as she has brought victory over the powers of evil over and over throughout the course of history, she can bring victory over the evils which we face. May we take up the rosary daily, with fervor, with confidence, with great love for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That, during this month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, many Christians will discover new and deep devotion to Our Lady’s powerful intercession and maternal care for the Church.

For the health and sanctification of the members of our parish Altar and Rosary Society and Legion of Mary and for increased membership for these groups.

That our young people may take seriously the call to holiness, that they will turn away from the evils of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

For all whose lives are marked by suffering may come to know the healing and peace of Christ.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.

October 22 2018 - St. John Paul II - Totus Tuus

In 1929, just 17 days short of his 9th birthday, the young Karol Wojtyla — the future Blessed Pope John Paul II — entered his house during the afternoon. His parents were very pious, and young Karol was accustomed to see his father — a strong soldier in the Polish army — praying on his knees on their parlor’s hardwood floor. That day, when the young Karol saw his father praying, he saw his dad’s knees bathing in a pool of tears.

“What’s wrong, Papa” the young future Pope asked his father. “Karol, your mother has died!” was his father’s answer. His mother had Emilia died in childbirth.

The eight year old ran out of his home to the local parish Church, which was actually right across the street from the Wojtyla apartment home. He entered the Church and ran up the aisle of the Church to a kneeler in front of a statue of Mary.  Tearfully, he said to her: “Blessed Lady, I don’t know why God took my mother home at the time he did. But I do know one thing: YOU are my mother now!”

Blessed Pope John Paul’s devotion to the Blessed Mother deeply impacted his life, his priesthood, and his papacy.  When he was made bishop of Krakow, he took as his episcopal motto the words: Totus Tuus ego sum, which is latin for “I am completely yours.”  The motto “Totus tuus” was taken from a prayer by Saint Louis Marie de Montfordt: "Totus tuus ego sum, et omnia mea tua sunt. Accipio te in mea omnia. Praebe mihi cor tuum, Maria." "I am completely yours, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all. O Mary, give me your heart"

Jesus, from the cross, told us to Behold his mother. We seek to “do whatever he tells us” and so this is why we turn to Mary’s guidance and holy example, that our hearts may become more like hers in her love of Jesus and faithfulness to God’s Divine Will.

[Maggie’s Place Mass:] In this place dedicated to motherhood, all mothers and all those who assist them in the care of their children do well to place themselves under the guidance and protection of the Mother of Jesus. Mary is the mother who has endured the greatest of sufferings, and she will always help mothers who turn to Her to endure their own sufferings in union with Jesus. She will always help mothers who turn to her to raise their children to know Jesus and to follow his teachings.

[Nursing Home Mass:] Mary stood at the cross as her son suffered and died for our salvation. She was the instrument through which God brought Christ Our Salvation into the world. So any grace, any healing we need, we do well to turn to Mary. She will always help us to experience the healing of God in our illnesses, and the peace of God in our suffering.

During this month of October especially, we do well to take up her Holy Rosary, as Saint John Paul II did so many times in his life, to pray the rosary for peace, for healing, for the conversion so many souls are desperately in need of.

Through the intercession of Saint John Paul who entrusted himself, his priesthood, his papacy and the Church to Mary, may we place that same trust in her, who bore the Christ child, who nurtured Him through childhood, who at the Wedding at Cana told the servants to “do whatever he tells you.” Mary, Mother of the Church, Mother of all Christians, pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That through the teaching, preaching, and pastoral care of the Church all Christians will grow in their devotion to and imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  We pray to the Lord.

That through Immaculate Mary, Queen of Peace, hatred, violence, and cruelty will cease in the world.  We pray to the Lord.

For those trapped in the downward spiral of sin, that the hope offered through the Incarnation of Christ in the womb of the Blessed Virgin will bring them new life in the Spirit.  We pray to the Lord.

That Mary’s maternal care and heavenly intercession will raise us to the moral greatness befitting true children of God.  We pray to the Lord.

For blessings on all expectant mothers, newborn infants, and young families.  We pray to the Lord.

That from the moment of conception all children will be preserved from bodily harm; for the overturning of unjust laws that permit the destruction of innocent life; and that the minds of all may be enlightened to know the dignity of every human life.  We pray to the Lord.

For all those who have died, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for all who have fought and died for our country’s freedom, and for [intention below], for whom this Mass is offered.  We pray to the Lord.

We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.

September 08 2017 - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - A day of joy and hope

Today, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin arrives on the Liturgical Calendar exactly nine months after the Feast of her Immaculate Conception.  Nine months, the term of a pregnancy….not a coincidence.
Mary was conceived through the natural marital embrace of her parents, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim.  She was brought to term and was born like any of us, though, through that special grace from God she was preserved from any stain of original sin.

The day the daughter of Anne and Joachim was born ranks as one of the most beautiful in human history, yet, nothing explicitly is recorded or known about Mary’s birth.  In fact, according to certain traditions, no one in the small town of Nazareth where Saints Joachim and Anne lived paid heed to the new arrival. Although the blood of David flowed in her veins, although she was the virgin about whom Isaiah prophesied.  She truly had humble beginnings.  Yet, though her birth went unnoticed by her countrymen, one Church Father said that the angels could not find adequate praises to express their joy to the Blessed Trinity for having created this most beautiful of creatures.

The Immaculate Mother came into the world at a time when many of God’s people had lost hope in a Messiah, just as many have lost sight of Christ the Sun in our modern day.  Sometimes God waits until we are on the brink of the abyss before extending His hand of mercy. I know a priest who is very fond of the saying, “the night is always darkest, right before the dawn”.

Saint Thomas of Villanova explained in sermon that Mary is the heavenly dawn, not only for the world, but especially for each individual soul. The birth of Mary initiated a new era in human history. And when an individual begins to grow in their devotion to the Blessed Mother, that can signal a new beginning for them.

Mary will help any soul find her Son. Mary will help any soul develop a burning love for her Son. So just as we celebrate the birthday of our earthly mothers, with great sentiment, today is a day for all Christians to celebrate our Spiritual Mother, our mother in the Order of Grace.

The Feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin fills our hearts with hope and joy: hope and joy in her presence with the Church for all ages, hope and joy that all those who turn to her aid will find salvation through Her Son, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For deeper Marian devotion amongst all Christians, that through her our faith may be strengthened and our witness may shine more brightly.

For all mothers, that they may find in Mary the example and strength to carry out their vocation of love, and that all sorrowful mothers may know the consolation and peace of God.

That through Immaculate Mary, Queen of Peace, hatred, violence, and cruelty will cease in the world.
That through Mary, Our Lady of Grace, all those who have fallen into sin may return to God through sincere repentance.

That from the moment of conception all children will be preserved from bodily harm; for the overturning of unjust laws permitting the destruction of innocent life; and that the minds of all may be enlightened to know the dignity of every human life.  We pray to the Lord.

That the sick may draw strength, consolation, and healing by turning to Mary, who intercedes for us from her place in heaven, especially all those affected by natural disaster. We pray to the Lord.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.

We pray, O Lord our God, that the Virgin Mary, who merited to bear God and man in her chaste womb, may commend the prayers of your faithful in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.

August 15, 2017 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Biblical and theological proofs

The dogma of the Assumption of Mary is a point of contention between Catholics and Protestants. Non-Catholics often claim that there is no biblical evidence for Mary’s Assumption.

I’d bet that most Catholics are not very familiar with the biblical data. And that’s not necessarily terrible. We trust the Church, we love the Blessed Mother. Her Assumption seems logical. That’s enough for most us. As the saying goes: “For some, no proof is necessary. For others, no proof is ever enough.”

But just in case you are ever in the position to explain this dogma, here are some key points from the Scriptures.

First, the bible is very clear that the bodily assumption into heaven is possible, in fact, there is biblical precedent for it. Enoch and Elijah are both brought to heaven by God. Thessalonians foretells how Christians still living at the time of Christ’s return will be “caught up to the heavens”. And St. Paul in second Corinthians describes his mystical experience of being taken to heaven, whether in the body or out of the body he doesn’t know, but he doesn’t rule out the possibility of a bodily journey to heaven.

Now, the Bible doesn’t describe Mary being taken to heaven by God. But in the book of Revelation, which we read on this feast, the Mother of the Savior of the World is in heaven, bodily. And beautiful Psalm 45, speaks of the queen standing at the right hand of God, in the eternal palace of the king.
So no one can really claim that this feast is unbiblical.

Why is this dogma important? Why is this feast important? First, it is never unfitting to celebrate the work of God. God made Mary a worthy mother for his son, full of grace and virtue, a heart in full communion with His Holy Will. Who can argue with the fittingness of Mary being brought into heaven, to experience what we all hope to experience in eternity, bodily and spiritual life in the eternal presence? In celebrating this feast, we proclaim the good works of God to all generations.

Secondly, in light of attempts to recreate Christianity, severing it from its ancient roots, this beautiful feast is so important because it keeps us connected to the Apostolic faith. For this feast is the oldest feast of Our Lady. Sadly, so many modern Christians do not fittingly honor Our Lady. But the Church without Our Lady, is not the Church.

Thirdly, this feast underscores the reasonableness of our faith. The doctrines of our faith are supported by the scriptures, and attested to by the saints throughout the centuries.

Fourthly, this feast is so important because of its message of hope. Where she has gone we hope to follow. This feast is a pledge: loving God as Mary loves God leads to heaven. Mary's Assumption is God's promise to us: every Christian who follows Mary's path of humility and fidelity to God's will can look forward to following her into the glories and joys of heaven.

This promise of God, this beautiful truth, is so important for us to remember in the dark times of life, when war, violence, and persecution surround us. Our mother is the lighthouse on the stormy sea, the star who guides us home.

We are reminded to keep our hearts and minds directed toward Mary. She will never lead us astray. Through this great feast, through our daily devotions, our rosaries, may we know her constant help and protection in the Christian life, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.