Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Feast of the Archangels, Feast Day September 29

Quote September 28, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael Public Domain Image — St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

September 29th is the day the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of the Archangels; St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. The word “angel” means servant of God. Angels have no bodies. They are pure spirits. They have intellect and free will. Angels who turned against God are called “fallen angels”. Satan is the leader of the fallen angels.

St. Augustine tells us the following:

“Angel is the name of their office, not of their nature.”

The Choirs of angels include nine types of angels. In ascending order they are: 1. Angels 2. Archangels 3. Principalities 4. Powers 5. Virtues 6. Dominations 7. Thrones 8. Cherubim 9. Seraphim.

The archangels appear several times in scripture. St. Michael (which means “who is like God”) is considered a warrior angel. He appears three times in scripture; in the Book of Daniel, the Epistle of St. Jude, and the Book of Revelation. In the Book of Revelation, the final battle between good and evil at the end of time is described. St. Michael and his angels will battle against the dragon (also known as Satan) and good will triumph. (Revelation 12:7)

St. Gabriel (which means “Strength of God) is a messenger. He announces the birth of the prophet John the Baptist. He is also called the Angel of the Annunciation because he announces to Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. It is St. Gabriel the messenger who says:

“Hail Mary, the Lord is with you.”(Luke 1:28)

St. Raphael (which means “Divine Healer”) appears in the Book of Tobit. He is a guide for the young Tobias on his long journey. He introduces Tobias to his future wife Sarah, and after their return home, he gives Tobias instructions in how to heal his fathers’ blindness.

The following prayers of intercession are popular prayers to the Archangels.

St. Michael the Archangel Public Domain Image — St. Michael the Archangel

Prayer to St. Michael

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits, who roam throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

Archangel Gabriel Public Domain Image — Archangel Gabriel

Prayer to St. Gabriel

Blessed St. Gabriel, the Archangel, We beseech you to intercede for us as at the throne of divine mercy. As ;you announced the mystery of the Incarnation to Mary, so through your prayers, may we receive strength of faith, and courage of spirit, and thus find favor with God and redemption through Christ Our Lord. May we sing the praise of God our Savior with the angels and saints in heaven forever and ever. Amen

St. Raphael the Archangel Public Domain Image — St. Raphael the Archangel

Prayer to St. Raphael

Dear St. Raphael, your lovely name means “God heals”. The Lord sent you to young Tobias to guide him throughout a long journey. Upon his return you taught him how to cure his fathers’ blindness. How natural therefore for Christians to pray for your powerful help for safe travel and a happy return. This is what we ask for ourselves as well as for all who are far from home. Amen

“It is humility that makes men into angels.”

Quote of St. Augustine; Feast day January 28

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes; St. Wenceslas of Bohemia, Feast Day September 28

Quote September 28, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

St. Wenceslaus Public Domain Image — St. Wenceslaus

The feast day of St. Wenceslas is celebrated on September 28. He is most remembered for the Christmas Carol Good King Wenceslas. He became King of Bohemia at the age of 18.

King Wenceslaus was born to the Duke of Bohemia. His family had been converted by St. Cyril and St. Methodius. His mother however, was a pagan. After her husbands death she persecuted Christians.

The Duchess Ludmilla was the mother in law of Drahomira and grandmother to Wenceslaus. She taught him about religion. He practiced his faith and received the sacraments in secret.

When he became King of Bohemia the persecution ended. He built churches, recalled priests from exile and welcomed Christian missionaries into Bohemia.

St. Wenceslaus had a strong devotion to the Eucharist and helped prepare the altar bread with his own hands. He also made wine from wheat and grapes he grew himself.

A reconciliation was attempted with his family when they gathered at a banquet on the Feast of St. Cosmas and Damien (Sept. 27). The next morning his brother killed him with a lance on the steps of the church. Two years before, his mother had arranged for his grandmother Ludmilla to be strangled to death. The feast day of St. Ludmilla is celebrated on September 16.

The good king died at the age of 22. Miracles were reported at his tomb.

The Christmas Carol sung about Gook King Wenceslaus reminds us to serve others as the good King did. To think less of ourselves and to see Christ in the poor.

“God has not created poverty……it is we who have created it.

Before God, all of us are poor.”

Quote of St. Teresa of Calcutta, Feast Day September 5

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Vincent de Paul, Feast Day September 27

Quote September 27, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Vincent de Paul Public Domain Image — St. Vincent de Paul
Public Domain Image

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Vincent de Paul, Feast Day September 27

The feast day of St. Vincent de Paul is celebrated on September 27. He is the patron saint of charities, hospitals and volunteers.

St. Vincent was born at Pouy, Gascony in Southern France in 1581 into a large peasant family. At the age of 15, he entered a Franciscan seminary. He tutored children until he was ordained a priest in 1600.

In `1605, St. Vincent was traveling on a ship from Marseilles to Narborne when he was captured by Moorish pirates! He was sold as a slave in Africa. After two years as a slave, he escaped and returned to France.

At Avignon St. Vincent continued to study. He became the chaplain to the Count of Goigny and was placed in charge of the charities for the poor. This inspired him to preach missions to provide relief for the poor. St. Vincent founded a missionary group known as the Vincentians. The priests in the Order served people primarily in small towns and villages. They had a devotion to helping the poor.

Next, St. Vincent along with the help of St. Louise de Marillac, founded the Sisters of Charity. He organized the rich women in Paris to collect money for hiss missionary projects, including several hospitals. He also collected money for victims of war and ransomed over 1200 slaves from N. Africa.

The motto of St. Vincent was “God see you”. He became known as the Apostle of Charity and the Father of the Poor.

St. Vincent died at the age of 80. His heart remains incorrupt and can be found in the Convent of the Sisters of Charity in Paris. He is credited with two miracles. The first was the curing of a nun with ulcers. The second was a laywoman cured of paralysis.

St. Vincent de Paul was canonized by Pope Clement XII on June 16, 1737.

St. Vincent’s bones and heart are perfectly incorrupt and have been placed inside a wax figure of his body. His relics can be seen in the Church of St. Vincent de Paul in Paris.

Do not feel that all is lost because of the revolt you feel inside. It has rained hard. The thunder has crashed. Is the weather any less beautiful because of that? Be assured you are not, for all that, any less dear to our Lord.

Quote of St. Vincent de Paul

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Terese Couderc, Feast Day September 26

Quote September 25, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

St. Terese Couderc Public Domain Image — St. Terese Couderc

The feast day of St. Terese Couderc is celebrated on September 26. She is the founder of the Cenacle Sisters.

St. Terese was born in Masle, France on Feb. 1, 1805. She joined the Sisters of St. Regis. St. Terese and Father Stephen founded the Congregation of Our Lady of the Retreat in the Cenacle. She became its superior in 1828, and when the mother house was established, its superior general until 1838. St. Terese helped to conduct spiritual retreats.

The spirituality of St. Terese focused on surrendering her life to the will of God. She experienced a vision which clarified for her the goodness of God in all creation.

On September. 26, 1885 St. Terese died of natural causes in Lyon, France at the age of 80. She was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.

Take a step at a time in the darkness, and the path will unwind beneath your feet. It is not necessary to understand God’s purposes. Just follow His will.

Quote of St. Terese Couderc

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Herman the Cripple, Feast Day September 25

Quote September 24, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Herman the Cripple, Feast Day September 25

The feast day of Bl. Herman the Cripple is celebrated on September 25. He is the patron saint of the unborn child and the disabled.

Bl. Herman was the son of the Earl of Altshausen in southern Germany. He was born with a cleft palate, cerebral palsy and possibly spina bifida. The doctors told his parents he would not live past five years of age. He lived to be 41.

Herman had trouble with both moving and speaking. His parents cared for him until the age of seven. He was then given to the Abbey of Reichenau to be cared for. The monks raised him in the Benedictine monastery where he became interested in theology and the spiritual world. In spite of his disabilities, Bl. Herman was very intelligent. He studied math, astronomy, theology, history, poetry , Arabic, Greek and Latin. He built musical instruments and was known for his poetry. At the age of 20 Herman became a Benedictine monk.

Towards the end of his life Herman suffered from blindness. He began writing hymns. The most famous are the Salve Regina, Hail Holy Queen and Redemptoris Mater. Bl. Herman used prayer and music to grow closer to God.

Bl. Herman died at the age of 41 in 1054. Because so many children with disabilities die because of abortion, Bl. Herman is the saint of the unborn child. He is also the patron saint of the disabled.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness, and our hope!

To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Prayer of Bl. Herman the Cripple

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Gerard Sagredo, Feast Day September 24

Quote September 24, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Gerard Sagredo, Feast Day September 24

The feast day of St. Gerard Sagredo is celebrated on September 24. He is a martyr and patron saint of Hungary.

St. Gerard was born in Venice in 980. He went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land but his ship landed at Istria. He became the educator of the prince and played a role in the conversion of Hungary to Christianity.

St. Gerard became the first Bishop of Csanad in 1030. After the death of the King, St. Stephen, he refused to serve the new King. Persecution against Christians became common.

St. Gerard was martyred on September 24, 1046. Legend states he was placed in a wooden barrel hauled to the hilltop and rolled down what is now named Gillert Hill. At the bottom he was beaten to death.

St. Gerard Sagredo was canonized in 1083.

“It is in loving the cross that one discovers his heart.”

Quote of St. Bernadette; Feast Day April 16

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Padre Pio, Feast Day September 23

Quote September 22, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

St. Padre Pio Public Domain Image — St. Padre Pio
Public Domain Image

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Padre Pio,

Feast Day September 23

The feast day of St. Padre Pio is celebrated on September 23. He is the first priest to receive the stigmata (wounds of Christ).

The name of Padre Pio at birth was Francesco Forgione. He was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelc

ina, Italy. He showed signs of a religious calling at a very early age, dedicating his life to God at the age of 5. Francesco was able to communicate with Jesus, Mary and his Guardian Angel. He assumed this was common.

At the age of 15, he joined the Capuchin Order of the friars Minor in Morcone, Italy. He was known for being a very contemplative priest. When he celebrated Mass they lasted several hours due to the long, silent moments of contemplative prayer. When he was asked if he could shorten the Mass he replied:

“God knows that I want to say Mass just like any other priest, but I cannot do it.”

He gained a reputation of being a good counselor and people traveled many hours to speak with him. Padre Pio was known as a man of prayer. He encouraged praying the rosary and praying for the deceased souls in Purgatory.

On September 20, 1918, just a month after his ordination, he received the stigmata while praying before a crucifix at the age of 31. For 50 years he suffered with the wounds of Christ. He was given the gifts of healing, prophecy, miracles and the gift of tongues. He was also given the gift of “odor of sanctity”. Quite often the scent of roses or lilies was present while people were with him.

Although given many spiritual gifts he always remained humble and in service to God. He became sought out as a confessor, spending an average of 19 hours a day in the confessional. People came from all corners of the earth to confess their sins to him. He heard the confession of Pope John Paul II when he was a young priest.

Padre Pio founded a hospital called The Home for the Relief of Suffering.

“Bring God to all those who are sick. This will help them more than any other remedy.”

At the age of 81 Padre Pio died while praying the rosary.

“After my death I will do more. My real mission will begin after my death”

Over 100, 000 people attended the funeral of St. Padre Pio to celebrate his life.

Padre Pio was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002.

“Your tears were collected by the angels and were placed in a gold chalice and you will find them when you present yourself before God.”

Quote of St. Padre Pio

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Thomas of Villanova, Feast Day September 22

Quote September 21, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

St. Thomas Villanova by Murillo Public Domain Image — St. Thomas Villanova Dividing His Clothes
by Murillo

The feast day of St. Thomas of Villanova is celebrated on September 22. He served as the Bishop of Valencia for 11 years.

St. Thomas of Villanova was born in Fuenlana, Spain in 1488. He was very generous to the poor and needy from a very early age. He was known to give his clothes to those less fortunate. At the age of 16 he entered the University of Alcala. When his father died he gave away his inheritance to feed unmarried women. He finished his studies in theology at Alcala and then became a Professor of Philosophy and Theology. He joined the Hermits of St. Augustine becoming well known for his holiness and generosity. He was ordained a priest of the order in 1518.

St. Thomas was chosen to be Archbishop of Granada but turned down the position. Out of obedience to his superiors he accepted the position of Bishop of Valencia. He served as bishop for eleven years. While serving the people of Valencia he founded two colleges and built a hospital. His love of the poor inspired him supply food for those who were hungry. He was given the gift of healing, miracles and conversion of sinners.

St. Thomas of Villanova died of Angina Pectoris at the age of 67 in 1658. Miracles were attributed to him before and after his death.

Pope Alexander VII canonized St. Thomas of Villanova in 1658.

“Contrition is the remedy for sins.”

Quote of St. Thomas of Villanova

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Matthew, Feast Day September 21

Quote September 20, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

St. Matthew Public Domain Image — St. Matthew

Sept. 21 is the feast day of St. Matthew the Apostle. The Catholic Church will be celebrating his life and martyrdom during the holy Mass. St. Matthew is the patron saint of accountants and bankers.

St. Matthew is also known as “Levi”. Matthew was a tax collector by trade. Tax collectors were despised by most of the people. He was called by Jesus to be one of the twelve Apostles.

The Apostles lived and traveled with Jesus during the three years leading up to his crucifixion. After the crucifixion they received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and began to spread the “Good News” of salvation.

It is believed that St. Matthew is the author of the first gospel. This gospel was written in Aramaic, which was the language of the Hebrew people. The Gospel of Matthew is referred to as the “teaching gospel”. It contains most of the parables of Jesus and the Beatitudes, which were given to us by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount.

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Matthew is believed to have preached in Ethiopia. Reports of his martyrdom vary greatly. It is not known if he was burned, stoned, beheaded or killed with an ax. However, the Church considers him to be a martyr who died for the faith.
Traditional prayer:

Glorious St. Matthew, in your Gospel you portray Jesus as the longed-for Messiah who fulfilled the Prophets of the Old Covenant and as the new Lawgiver who founded a Church of the New Covenant. Obtain for us the grace to see Jesus living in His Church and to follow his teachings in our lives on earth so that we may live forever with him in heaven.

Acquire the spirit of peace and thousands around you will be saved.

Quote of St. Seraphim of Sarov; Feast Day February 5

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Korean Martyrs, Feast Day September 20

Quote September 20, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

Korean Martyrs Public Domain Image — Korean Martyrs

The martyrdom of 103 Koreans is celebrated on September 20.

For over 100 years the Christians in Korea practiced their faith in secret. The government of Korea was based on Confucianism and believed that Christians were a threat to the government.

The first known martyrs are Paul Youn and James Kouen. They were martyred after refusing to offer sacrifice on the death of a relative.

Over the next 100 years over 10, 000 Korean Christians were tortured and executed.

On May 6, 1984, in Seoul, Pope John Paul II canonized 103 of the martyrs. Their feast day is celebrated on September 20.

Martyrdom is the heroic act of love.

Quote of St. Just Bretenie’res……Korean Martyr; Feast Day March 7

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Our Lady of La Salette, Feast Day September 19

Quote September 19, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Our Lady La Salette Public Domain Image — Our Lady La Salette

On Saturday, Sept. 19, a globe of light opened to reveal a beautiful woman seated on a stone. The woman appeared to two shepherd children in Salette, France. The apparition was approved and is celebrated on September 19.

The children’s names were Melanie Calvat, age 15, and Maiximin Graud, age 11. The woman was gently crying and asking for the people and the priests to repent of their sins. She called for penance.

Our Lady was tall, wearing a pearl studded dress and white shawl with a tiara on her head. A crucifix was hanging from her neck. She seemed to be made of light. As she talked to the children she warned of coming war and famine.

Our Lady asked the children to pray day and night for the salvation of the world.

Our Lady of La Salette warned of chastisements that would fall upon humanity if they didn’t change their ways. Before ascending into heaven she urged the children to pray more and gave each of them a secret that was revealed to Pope Pius IX in 1851 concerning threats to the church and to the world.

While Our Lady’s message focused on conversion and penance she also gave the children a message of hope regarding the power of prayer saying:

“if they are converted, the stones and rocks will change into mounds of wheat, and the potatoes will be self-sown in the land”,

After the apparition many people made amends for the wrongs they had done. Miracles began occurring at the site, as people were cured over various ailments from water from the spring there within weeks of Our Lady’s appearance. The Church officially approved of this apparition (deeming it worthy of belief) after much investigation and debate in 1851. Construction of a church at La Salette began in 1852 and was completed in 1865. It was designated as the Basilica of Our Lady of La Salette in 1879.

Pope John Paul II made the following comment on the Apparition of La Salette:

“In this place, Mary, the loving Mother appeared manifesting her pain for the moral evil caused by humanity. Her tears help us to understand the seriousness of sin and the rejection of God, and at the same time it is a manifestation of the passionate fidelity that her Son has for each person, even though His redemptive love is marked by the wounds of treason and abandonment by men.”

Of all the virtues of the Virgin Mary, the most admirable is her great humility; it is a virtue of which we ourselves have a great need.

Quote of Bl. Alphonsus de Orozco; Feast Day September 19

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Joseph of Cupertino, Feast Day September 18

Quote September 18, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Joseph of Cupertino Public Domain Image — St. Joseph of Cupertino

The feast day of St. Joseph of Cupertino is celebrated on September 18. St. Joseph of Cupertino is the patron saint of air travelers, pilots, astronauts, and those with learning disabilities.

St. Joseph of Cupertino was born on June 17, 1603 in Puglia, Italy. His father died before he was born leaving his mother destitute. He was born in a stable. As a child he was a slow learner, probably having a learning disability. When he was 17 he was denied acceptance to the Order of the Friars Minor Conventuals due to lack of an education. He was however, accepted into the Capuchins at Martino near Cupertino. He gardened, tended the animals and worked in the kitchen.

Because of his learning disabilities St. Joseph could only study small amounts of material at a time. He then prayed to remember the material for the test. St. Joseph was ordained in 1628.

St. Joseph was a mystic with the gift of miraculous levitation and visions. Anything religious could cause him to levitate. During prayer he was known for his ecstasies and suddenly levitating. The first time levitation occurred was on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4 1630. During the procession he suddenly rose into the sky and hovered over the crowd. He was so embarrassed he fled and hid. The levitation happened so often he earned the title “The Flying Saint”.

The most famous act of levitation occurred while he was in the presence of Pope Urban VIII. He was filled with reverence and immediately was lifted into the air. During the Inquisition he was confined for several weeks but released. Crowds tried to meet him until he was place in seclusion…unable to speak to anyone other than the bishop the vicar general of the Order, his fellow friars and a doctor if needed.

After his death on Sept. 18, 1663, great crowds of people attended his funeral. Pope Clement XIII canonized St. Joseph of Cupertino on July 16, 1767.

A movie has been made of his life named A Reluctant Saint. St. Joseph of Cupertino is the patron saint of air travelers, pilots, astronauts, and those with learning disabilities.

“The fullness of joy is to behold God in everything.”

Quote of St. Catherine of Genoa; Feast day September 15

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

The Mystery of Faith

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Feast of the Archangels, Feast Day September 29

Prayers, Quips and Quotes; St. Wenceslas of Bohemia, Feast Day September 28

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Vincent de Paul, Feast Day September 27

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Vincent de Paul, Feast Day September 27

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Terese Couderc, Feast Day September 26

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Herman the Cripple, Feast Day September 25

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Herman the Cripple, Feast Day September 25

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Gerard Sagredo, Feast Day September 24

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Gerard Sagredo, Feast Day September 24

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Padre Pio, Feast Day September 23

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Padre Pio,

Feast Day September 23

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Thomas of Villanova, Feast Day September 22

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Matthew, Feast Day September 21

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Korean Martyrs, Feast Day September 20

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Our Lady of La Salette, Feast Day September 19

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Joseph of Cupertino, Feast Day September 18

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