Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Cyprian, Feast Day September 16

Quote September 16, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Cyprian Public Domain Image — St. Cyprian

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Cyprian, Feast Day September 16

The feast day of St. Cyprian is celebrated on September 16. Cyprian was born in North Africa in the 3rd century. He is an important Christian writer.

At the age of 35, Cyprian converted to Christianity. Soon after his baptism he was ordained, later becoming the Bishop of Carthage. After his baptism he gave away his possessions.

When the persecutions of Christians began in Carthage, Cyprian went into hiding rather than give sacrifices to pagan gods or face execution. Fourteen months later he returned. He called a council to determine the fate of those who had lapsed and denied their faith. The council agreed with Cyprian who disagreed with both extreme answers. He was against allowing anyone to return with little or no penance. He was also against not allowing the lapsed Christians back at all.

Persecutions began again in 256. St. Cyprian proclaimed his faith in Christ and refuesed to sacrifice to pagan gods. He was banished to Curubis. On September 13, 258, St. Cyprian was imprisoned and sentenced to die by the sword.

The execution of St. Cyprian happened in public very quickly. He removed his clothing, knelt down, prayed and then blind folded himself. He was then beheaded with a sword.

To him who still remains in this world, no repentance is too late. The approach to God’s mercy is open.

Quote of St. Cyprian

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Pope Francis Reflects on Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows

Quote September 15, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

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Today, at Casa Santa Mara, Pope Francis reflected on the obedience and suffering of Mary at the foot of the Cross. The Mass commemorated the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrow.

The Feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15. According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis said that in the liturgy we are shown the glorious Cross, then the meek and humble Mother.

During his homily, Pope Francis said that Paul emphasized three strong words. Jesus “learned, obeyed and suffered” It was the opposite of what had happened to our father Adam. Adam did not want to learn, obey or suffer. Jesus, even though He is God, humbles Himself on the glorious Cross and becomes a servant.

Continuing his homily, Pope Francis told how Jesus came into the world to learn how to be a man, and by being a man, he walked with men. He came into the world to obey, and He obeyed. He learned obedience from suffering. This obedience brings hope. People who walk with God walk with hope.

Pope Francis shared that Mary, Jesus’ Mother, was the New Eve (as Paul himself calls her), so that she too can learn, suffer, and obey. “Thus”, Pope Francis said, “She becomes Mother.” In the Gospel Mary is at the foot of the Cross at the crucifixion. Jesus says to John, “Behold your mother.”

“Mary, is anointed Mother.” Pope Francis said. “We are not orphans, we have Mothers; Mother Mary. But the Church is Mother and Mother Church is anointed when it takes the same path of Jesus and Mary: the path of obedience, the path of suffering, and when she has that attitude of continually learning the path of the Lord. These two women…Mary and the Church…carry on the hope that is Christ, they give us Christ, they bring forth Christ in us. Without Mary, there would be no Jesus Christ; without the Church, we cannot go forward. Two women and two mothers and next to them our soul, which in the words of Isaac, the abbot of Stella, is “feminine” and is like “Mary and the Church”. Pope Francis concluded his homily by saying:

“Today, looking at this woman by the Cross, steadfast in following her Son in His suffering to learn obedience, looking at her we see the Church and look at our Mother. And also, we look at our little soul that will never be lost, if it continues to be a woman close to these two great women who accompany us in life: Mary and the Church. And just as our fathers left Paradise with a promise, today we can go forward with a hope: the hope that our Mother Mary, steadfast at the Cross, and our Holy Mother, the hierarchical Church, give us. “

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This article was originally published on September 15, 2014.

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Our Lady of Sorrows, Feast Day September 15

September 15, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

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The feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15. It dates back to the 12th century when it was promoted by the Cistercians and the Servites.

The focus of the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is the grief Mary felt during the suffering of her Son, Jesus. As His mother, her heart felt intense pain and sorrow.

Below are the seven sorrows of Mary:

The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)

As we reflect on the sorrows and suffering Mary experienced as the Mother of God, we can remind ourselves of the human nature of both Jesus and Mary. They felt pain. They felt grief. They felt loss. They wept.

Jesus has two natures: Human and Divine. Mary is not Divine. She is human like you and me. We can only wonder at her strength and holiness as she drank from the bitter cup of suffering.

Whoever you are who love the Mother of God, take note and reflect with all your innermost feelings upon her who wept for the Only Begotten as He died…The grief she felt in the Passion of her son goes beyond all understanding.

Quote of St. Amadeus of Lausanne; Feast Day January 28

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September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Exaltation of the Cross, Feast Day September 14

September 13, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

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The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is celebrated on September 14.

This feast day actually celebrated two events.

In the year 320, the actual cross on which Jesus was crucified was discovered by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. Constantine then had a shrine and basilica built in 335. The Basilica, named Martyrium and the shrine named The Calverium were destroyed by the Persians in the year 614.

On a more personal level, we celebrate how we are saved by the cross. It is the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus which redeems us. As Christians, we must be willing to suffer for the faith, looking to Jesus in moments of weakness.

The suffering of Jesus on the cross is called Redemptive Suffering. In today’s world it is hard to understand the meaning of suffering. Does anything good come from suffering?

Our salvation came from the suffering of Jesus who died for our sins.

One way that helps me to understand suffering is to think about the meaning of love. When two people love each other and promise to be there for each other they believe they are in love. The test of true love is what happens when the going gets tough? It is only when we are willing to suffer for another that we know we are loving them.

Willingness to suffer defines love! Jesus is not the only one who is capable of redemptive suffering. We too, can offer our suffering for the good of another. Think of all the times you have suffered in silence because to complain would not help the situation. Give your suffering to God. You will grow in virtue and love.

Remember… God is Love. He showed us he loved us by suffering and dying on the cross for us.

On this feast day reflect on the suffering in your life. Can you name the cross you are carrying? Give all your suffering to God and you will come closer to Him who is called Love.

Suffering is a sign that we have come so close to Jesus on the cross that He can kiss us; that He can show that He is in love with us by giving us an opportunity to share in His Passion.

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

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. John Chrysostom, Feast Day September 13

Quote September 13, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

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The feast day of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated on September 13.

St. John was born to Christian parents about the year 344. After studying law he became a deacon and was ordained a priest. He served as a priest in Syria for 12 years before becoming Bishop of Constantinople. St. John Chrysostom is the patron saint of preachers, speakers and epilepsy.

St. John was known for his powerful sermons. He believed in the need to help the poor and wanted the wealthy to be generous with their money. This was not appreciated by all who listened to him.

In 403 he was charged with heresy and sent into temporary exile. He was recalled and then exiled permanently. He died on Sept. 14, 407 while marching in the hot sun. His last words were:

“Glory to God for all things.”

St. John Chrysostom (which means golden mouthed) has been given the title of Doctor of the Eucharist for his preaching on the belief in the Real Presence. He is considered one of the four great doctors of the Eastern Church along with St. Athanasius, St. Gregory Nazianzen and St. Basil

Faithfulness in little things is a big thing.

Quote of St. John Chrysostom

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

September 12, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

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The feast day of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 12.

On this day we reflect on the titles given to Mary. Why has she become known by so many names? Which name touches you the most when you think about the Blessed Virgin Mary? Mary, Mother of God? Mary, Queen of Saints? The Immaculate Heart of Mary?

Each name tells us something about Mary, who loved and gave birth to Jesus. Our Sorrowful Mother helps us to reflect on the suffering Mary experienced. Some of her titles refer to the place in which she appeared to someone: Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Other titles refer to her spirituality: Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of Grace, Mystical Rose, Star of the Sea.

The name we are given at birth is important. We are called by that name throughout our life. Each of us has been called to do something specific for God. Perhaps it is prayer. Perhaps it is raising a family with love. Perhaps it is a profession like teaching or medicine, or farming.

Mary was called by God for a very special purpose. She was asked to love and raise Jesus, the Son of God. She became the Mother of God and loved him in a way none of us can.

Today is a day to reflect on the role of Mary in the life of Jesus. We can also reflect on our role in the world. If we honor and imitate the mother of Jesus, we can be certain that we will come to know Jesus better.

Mary is called Queen of Martyrs, for her martyrdom was the lengthiest, most intense, and most loving.

Quote of Bl. James Alberione

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. John Gabriel Perboyre, Feast Day September 11

Quote September 11, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

The Feast day of St. John Gabriel Peboyre is celebrated on September 11.

St. John was the oldest son of a farmer in Le Puech, France. He had seven younger siblings. Three of the brothers joined the Vincentian Fathers and two of the Daughter became Daughters of Charity.

When his younger brother was accepted into the Vincentian Seminary, his parents asked him to accompany the brother until he was settled. He was surprised to find that he was also drawn to join the Vincentians. His parents supported his decision to join the order rather than return home to farm.

In 1820, St. John was ordained a Vincentian priest. He hoped to become a missionary and travel to China, however he was assigned to be a supervisor of the mother-house in Paris.

In 1835, he began his journey to China as a missionary. It took five months to arrive. He served the poor in Ho Nan China before being transferred to Hubei.

Persecution began in 1839 and St. John Gabriel was arrested. After being tortured, he was found guilty of preaching Christianity and condemned to death. He was tied to a stake and strangled. His body wa retrieved and buried in the mission cemetery.

Pope John Paul II canonized St. John Gabriel Perboyre in 1996.

O my Divine Savior,
Transform me into Yourself.
May my hands be the hands of Jesus.
Grant that every faculty of my body
May serve only to glorify You.

Above all,
Transform my soul and all its powers
So that my memory, will and affection
May be the memory, will and affections
Of Jesus.

I pray You
To destroy in me all that is not of You.
Grant that I may live but in You, by You and for You,
So that I may truly say, with Saint Paul,
“I live – now not I – But Christ lives in me.

Prayer composed by St. John G. Perboyre

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Feast Day September 10

Quote September 11, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Feast Day September 10

The feast day of St. Nicholas of Tolentino is celebrated on September 10. He is the patron saint of the souls in purgatory and the dying.

The parents of St. Nicholas were childless when they visited the Shrine of St. Nicholas of Myrna at Bari, Italy. The year after praying for a child they became parents. They named their child Nicholas in gratitude for their prayer being answered.

At the age of 18, Nicholas became an Augustinian monk. He was ordained a priest at 25. St. Nicholas was known for his visions and gift of miracles. He received a vision of angels reciting the phrase “to Tolentino”. He decided to move to Tolentino in 1274 where he lived the rest of his life.

St. Nicholas was a peacemaker during a time of war. He was also a miracle worker and healer. He often visited prisoners and was known for his kindness.

Once after becoming ill, he had a vision in which the Virgin Mary, St. Augustine and St. Monica appeared to him. They told him to eat a certain type of roll dipped in water. He was healed after doing so. He then began healing others by giving bread to them and reciting Marian prayers. The rolls become known as St. Nicholas Bread.

Many legends and miracles are credited to St. Nicholas. Over 300 miracles have been recognized.

After a long illness in which he became bedridden and suffered greatly, St. Nicholas died in 1245, surrounded by his community.

St. Nicholas of Tolentino was canonized by Pope Eugene IV in 1446.

There is no sin or wrong that gives a man a foretast of hell in this life as anger and impatience.

Quote of St. Catherine of Sienna; Feast day April 29

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Peter Claver, Feast Day September 9

Quote September 10, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

St. Peter Claver Public Domain Image — St. Peter Claver

The feast day of St. Peter Claver is celebrated on September 9. He is the patron saint of African missions.

St. Peter Claver was born at Verdu, Catalonia, Spain in 1580. He entered the Jesuit college of Barcelona, becoming a Jesuit novitiate, taking his final vows on Aug 8, 1604.
St. Peter Claver left his homeland to become a missionary in the colonies of the new world. He ministered to the slaves arriving daily in Cartagena (now Columbia). Over a thousand slaves arrived in Cartagena every month. He brought them food, ministered to their medical needs and prayed with them. He followed them to the plantation they were taken to. St. Peter Claver declared himself to be the “slave of the Negroes forever.”

After instructing them in the faith, he baptized them. By 1651 he had baptized over 300,000 slaves into the faith.

After suffering from illness for four years, St. Peter Claver died on Sept. 8, 1654.
St. Peter Claver has been declared the patron saint of African Missions.

“Seek God in all things and you shall find God by your side.”

Quote of St. Peter Claver

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Nativity of Virgin Mary, Feast Day September 8

Quote September 10, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Nativity of Virgin Mary, Feast Day September 8

The feast day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8. On this day the church reflects on the birth of Mary and her role in salvation.

Mary was the only child of St. Anne and St. Joachim. They had been praying for a child and it seemed as if they would be unable to conceive. However, although St. Anne was not young, she conceived and became the mother of the mother of God!

The feast day is celebrated nine months after the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. The Immaculate Conception celebrates the belief that Mary was born without the stain of original sin. She was the “second Eve”. Eve, also was born without original sin but she chose to disobey God. Mary, however, always said “yes” to God.

Reflecting on the life of Mary can take us in many directions. How is it possible to become the Mother of God? How is it possible to become the Grandmother of God as St. Anne did? We know that Mary was chosen for the title of Mother of God. St. Anne and St. Joachim were also chosen…to be the parents of Mary.

We too have been chosen. Where is God leading you? Is your family life holy? What needs to improve in your life to help you grow closer to God? Is your prayer life healthy? Learning to communicate with God leads us to know his will in our life. Just as Mary said “yes”, we too must try to do the will of God.

Each of us is unique in the way we communicate with God. Exploring the different prayer styles can help us to find the type of prayer that suits us best. To understand what God’s will is, we must discover how God is “present” in our life. Making time for prayer is the first step. Admitting that we need guidance (humility) will help us to take the time to listen for the whisper that comes from God.

The Virgin Mother’s heart remained perpetually inflamed with the holy love which she received of her Son.

Quote of St. Francis de Sales; Feast Day January 24

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Regina, Feast Day September 7

Quote September 10, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra Leave a comment

The feast day of St. Regina is celebrated on September 7. She was born in Alise, France. Her mother died at childbirth. Regina’s father was a prominent man who was a pagan. He hired a Christian nurse to raise Regina. While Regina was quite young the nurse secretly baptized Regina.

St. Regina became more and more religious as she grew older. When her father learned that she had been baptized, he disowned her. She lived with her nurse and worked in the fields to earn money. She also tended sheep. While working, she meditated on the love and mercy of God.

When Regina was 15 years old, the prefect of Gaul named Olybrius noticed Regina and became determined to marry her. He was unhappy that she was a Christian. Olybrius tried to convince her to deny her faith but she not only refused but proclaimed her faith even louder. Olybrius then had her imprisoned. She was chained to the walls of the cell with an iron belt. After she still refused to deny her faith, she was whipped and scourged. Finally she was beheaded. She died in the year 286. Many were converted after seeing a solitary dove hover over her during the torture.

The relics of St. Regina are enshrined in Flavigini Abbey where many miracles have since occurred.

St. Regina is honored as a martyr for the faith. She is the patron saint against poverty and for victims of abuse.

If the moon is beautiful as it reflects the light of the sun at so great a distance, what will be the beauty of the saints, who for all eternity and not at a distance, will reflect the divine image of God!

Quote of Ven. Solanus Casey

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Bertrand of Garrigua, Feast Day September 6

Quote September 9, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Bertrand of Garrigua,

Feast Day September 6

The feast day of Bl. Bertrand of Garrigua is celebrated on September 6. He was born in Garrigua, France in 1195. Bl. Bertrand was ordained a secular priest preaching with the Cistercians against the Albigenses. In the year 1216 he met St. Dominic. He soon joined St. Dominic helping him to found the Order of Preachers.

While St. Dominic was in Rome seeking approval of his new order he left Bertrand in charge. He was an important part in the founding of the Order of Preachers, becoming known as the “second Dominic”. He was known to be a traveling companion with St. Dominic.

Bl. Bertrand was known for continually weeping for his sins. St. Dominic convinced him that it would be better to pray for ht sins of others instead. Bertrand continued weeping, however, he was weeping for others sins instead of his own. After having a vision he also began to pray for the souls in purgatory.

Bl. Bertrand fell sick while preaching a mission in 1230 and died at the age of 35.

The body of Bl. Bertrand was found to be incorrupt in 1881, 23 years after his death.

Bl. Bertrand was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1881.

A person who governs his passions is master of the world. We must either rule them or be ruled by them. It is better to be the hammer than the anvil.

Quote of St. Dominic; Feast Day August 8

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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The Mystery of Faith

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Cyprian, Feast Day September 16

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Cyprian, Feast Day September 16

Pope Francis Reflects on Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Our Lady of Sorrows, Feast Day September 15

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Exaltation of the Cross, Feast Day September 14

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. John Chrysostom, Feast Day September 13

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. John Gabriel Perboyre, Feast Day September 11

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Feast Day September 10

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Feast Day September 10

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Peter Claver, Feast Day September 9

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Nativity of Virgin Mary, Feast Day September 8

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Nativity of Virgin Mary, Feast Day September 8

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Regina, Feast Day September 7

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Bertrand of Garrigua, Feast Day September 6

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: Bl. Bertrand of Garrigua,

Feast Day September 6

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