Tag Archives: Faith

Who were the 14 Holy Helpers?

August 7, 2018 Vicki Scheenstra

Intercessory prayer has always been an important form of prayer in the church. The church believes that we can and should pray for each other. This does not end when we die. The saints are closer to God than we are. We ask them to pray for us in our time of need. This is called intercessory prayer.

During the black plague, which lasted from 1346-1349, a number of saints gained great popularity for their ability to intercede and were given credit for many miraculous cures. They became known as the Holy Helpers. A feast day was created to celebrate their sanctity and celebrated on August 8. in 1969, this feast day of the Holy Helpers was dropped because of the reform of the liturgical calendar. The 14 Holy Helpers are still popular today.

All of the Holy Helpers except St. Giles were martyrs. Symptoms of the plague were a black tongue, painful throat, severe headache, fever, and boils on the abdomen. It came on suddenly and could result in death within hours. The people who contracted the disease turned to the Holy Helpers to intercede for them during the frightening experience.

1. St. George…Feast Day April 23rd…Died 303

St. George was born in Cappadocia (modern Turkey) into a Christian family. He became a high ranking soldier. When Emperor Diocletian began persecuting Christians, he protested. He was then jailed and tortured. He died a martyr after being beheaded. Legend tells us that St. George killed a dragon which was threatening the townspeople. He made the sign of the cross and then killed it with a lance. Many people were converted and baptized because of St. George.

St George is invoked for protection of domestic animal.

2. St. Blaise… Feast Day Feb. 3

St. Blaise was born in Armenia. He was a physician and a philosopher. He became a Bishop of Armenia. Due to persecution, he fled and lived as a hermit. Legend tells us that hunters came upon him praying in a cave. He was surrounded by lions, wolves and bears. He was imprisoned. He was known for his gift of healing. The most famous healing happened while he was in prison. A mother came with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. At Blaise’s command the child was able to cough up the bone.

St. Blaise died a martyr. After being tortured, he was beheaded.

St. Blaise  is invoked for healing of the throat.

3. St. Erasmus (or St. Elmo)…Feast Day June 2…Martyr

St. Elmo lived in Italy. He served as the Bishop of Formiae, Campagna, Italy and was martyred during the persecutions of Christians by Diocletan.

Trying to flee the persecutions, St. Elmo fled to Mt. Lebanon and lived in solitude for a time. When he was found, he was tortured and imprisoned. Because he refused to deny his faith he was scourged and cast into boiling oil, sulfur and pitch. He was miraculously saved from harm. According to legend an angel led him to freedom. After escaping prison he converted many with his preaching and miracles. A second time he was captured, imprisoned and tortured. Again, an angel led him to freedom. During his torture he had hot iron hooks struck into his intestines. He survived these wounds which is why he is invoked for intestinal problems.

St. Elmo is considered the patron saint of sailors. A blue light appears at mastheads before and after a storm; the seamen took it as a sign of St. Erasmus’s protection. This became known as St. Elmo’s Fire. St. Elmo died as a martyr in 303. He was tortured and disemboweled.

St. Elmo  is the patron saint of sailors 
and against intestinal troubles.

4. St. Pantaleon … Feast Day July 27th…D. 304

St. Pantaleon was born into a wealthy christian family. He left the faith and became a physician. He returned to the faith before his father died leaving him a large inheritance. During the persecution of Dicletian, he refused to denounce his faith. After healing a man with palsy, he was tortured in many ways. Tradition says he was burned by torches until Christ appeared and put out the flames. Attempts at boiling him and drowning at sea also failed. He was finally nailed to a tree and beheaded. He prayed for forgiveness of his persecutors before his death.

St. Pantaleon is patron saint of physicians, midwives, 
tuberculosis and torture victims.

5. St. Vitus (also St. Guy)… Feast Day June 14

St. Vitus was born in 291 into a pagan family in Sicily. He was cared for by a Christian family who had him baptized. His furious father tried to have him renounce his faith. When he would not, his father turned him over to the governor Valerian who had him tortured for refusing to deny his faith. He was ordered scourged, however his executioners’ hands were paralyzed. They were healed after St. Vitus made a sign of the cross over ther. Escaping during a storm, St. Vitus fled to Italy. After converting many, Diocetian had him arrested and tortured again. When he was thrown to the wild beasts, the animals cowered at his feet. He wurvived boiling oil but was martyred on the rack in the year 303.

St. Vitus is the patron saint of dancers and actors. 
He is invoked during storms and against epilepsy
and those afflicted with St Vitus Dance.

6. St. Christopher … martyr … Former Feast Day July 25

Because the existence of St. Christopher is not verified his feast day was dropped when the liturgical year was reformed. However, his legend is powerful and many still ask for his intercession. Legend says that he converted to the faith after following the devil. He was very tall and considered a giant. He devoted his life to carrying people across a river with no bridge. One day, he was carrying a small child. The child became heavier and heavier until St. Christopher staggered. When they had crossed the river the child told St. Christopher that he was the Christ child and that he had been carrying the burdens of the world on his shoulders. St. Christopher is believed to be martyred by Emperor Deius in approximately 250

St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers,
transportation workers and soldiers.

7. St. Denis (also Dionysius) Feast Day October 9 bishop and martyr

St. Denis is also known as St. Diomysius. He was converted by St. Paul, becoming one of his followers. He was known converting many people. Pope St. Clement sent him to Gaul where he became the first bishop of France, At the age of 110, he was martyred by beheading. Tradition tells us that after he was beheaded, he took his head in his own hands placing it 2000 paces away where a chapel was later built.

St. Denis is invoked against diabolical possession and headaches.

8. St. Cyriacus (also Cyriac)… Feast Day August 8 … deacon and martyr

St. Cyriacus was a pious Roman who became a deacon and tried to help people being persecuted for their faith. He also ministered to people in prison. Eventually, he was put in prison himself. While in prison he converted many and restored the sight of several blind men. When Emperor Diocletian’s daughter was found to be possessed by the devil it was St. Cyriacus who was able to free her of this possession. After she was healed the Emperor left him to live in peace. However, under the persecution of the co Emperor Maximum, he was again persecuted. He was tortured and beheaded on March 16, 303.

St. Cyriacus is the patron against eye disease,
diabolical possession and temptation, especially at the time of death.

9. St. Aciathius (also Acaciid) … Feast Day May 8th

St. Aciathius was a Roman soldier. He joined the army during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, becoming a captain. He converted to Christianity and was filled with zeal. He converted many pagan soldiers. The emperor had him thrown into prison and tortured on the rack when he would not renounce his faith. He was brought before the tribune Bibianus. After declaring that his name was Christian, because he was a follower of Christ, Bibianus ordered him beaten with clubs and chained. After suffering more torture, he was beheaded on May 8, 311.

St. Acathius is the invoked against headaches.

10. St. Eustace (also Eustachius, Eustathius)… Feast Day Sept. 20th

Before his conversion St. Eustace was none as Placedas. He was a kind man who enjoyed hunting. He was also a Roman general. One day he followed a stag into the forest. While he was staring at the deers antlers they vegan to glow showing a cross between them. He heard a voice asking him to convert to Christianity. Pacedus and his family were soon baptized and he became known as Eustace. St. Eustace was martyred in the year 118 by being burned inside a bronze bull.

St. Eustaca is the patron against fire, difficult situations,
family troubles and hunters and fire fighters.

11. St. Giles the Abbot (also Aegildius)… Feast Day Sept. 1… Hermit and abbot

St. Giles was born into a noble family in Athens, Greece in the seventh century. After the death of his parents, he distributed his inheritance to the poor. He also became known for the gift of miracles and healing he had received. Giles longed to live a life of solitude, serving God as a recluse. He left Greece, sailing for France. Everywhere he lived he became known for his gift of miracles and healing. He would have to flee once again to find a place to live in peace and solitude. His final dwelling place was deep in the forest in a cavern in a rock. He occupied his time in prayer, praising God and meditating. His only companion was a red deer, which provided him with milk to drink. St. Giles is the only Holy Helper who was not a martyr.

After several years of living in complete solitude, the King of France instituted a great hunt near where Giles lived. The hunters chased the deer which led them to the cave where Giles lived. They shot an arrow into the cave, wounding the holy hermit. They found him covered with blood with the deer lying at his feet. When the king was told what had happened, he ordered him taken care of. He came to see him offering him gifts. St. Giles refused the gifts requesting a monastery instead. St. Giles became the Abbot of the monastery which was soon built. Several disciples joined him. His fame continued to spread because of his gift of miracles. The conversion of the King was one of these miracles.

St. Giles is the patron saint of the mentally ill, the disabled,
epileptics,childhood fears, and depression.

12. St. Margaret of Antioch … Feast Day July 2

St. Margaret was a virgin and martyr. St. Margaret was born in Antioch. She was raised by a Catholic nurse. When her pagan father learned of her faith, he was very displeased. He wanted her to marry the city prefect. When she refused, the prefect hd her tortured on the rack and pierced with iron hooks. She was then left in prison to die. Miraculously, all her wounds were healed. She was then tortured again with flaming hooks which did her no harm. Finally, she was beheaded. She was one of the saints who talked to St. Joan of Arc.

St. Margaret is the patron of women in childbirth.
St. Margaret is invoked against backaches and kidney disease.

13. St. Catherine of Alexandria … Feast Day Nov 25th

While there is no historical evidence regarding St. Catherine of Alexandria there is a strong tradition about her martyrdom. St. Catherine was born around 287 in Alexandria, Egypt. She was the daughter of a wealthy pagan couple. She had a love of learning and studied philosophy and religion. After studying Christianity, she converted. She is known to have debated 50 philosophers, converting them.

Legend tells us that she was imprisoned and tortured by Emperero Maxentius after she refused to marry him. He forced her to debate the most learned pagan philosophers hoping she would commit apostasy, however the debates resulted in many conversions to the Christian faith. St. Catherine was tortured by being placed on a wheel full of spikes in an attempt to kill her. The wheel broke into two pieces and fell apart. She was then beheaded.

St. Catherine is invoked as the patron saint of students, teachers, 
librarians and lawyers.

14. St. Barbara… Feast Day December 4

St. Barbara was a virgin and martyr. She is the patron of builders, artillery men and miners. She was martyred in Asia Minor in the 3rd or 4th century. Her father isolated her in a high tower where she was tutored by philosophers and poets. She converted to Christianity, which infuriated her father. He ordered her killed. She was caught trying to escape and then beheaded by her father. He was immediately struck dead by lightning.

St. Barbara is invoked against fever, lightning, fire and sudden death.

The saints are men and women who have joy in their hearts and spread it to others… never hating, but serving the others.

Quote by Pope Frances on Nov. 1, 2013 All Saints Day

The 14 Holy Helpers in Art

Faith, Prayer, Spirituality

Jesus Remember Me

March 15, 2018 Vicki Scheenstra

Jesus Remember Me, when you come into your kingdom.
Luke 23: 32-43

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him saying, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him which said;

“This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God,, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The Good Thief turned to Jesus at the very end of his life. He did not need to know all the answers regarding religion. He had not been baptized. He simply acknowledged his guilt and asked Jesus to remember him. Sometimes, we make faith way too complicated. All we really need to do is turn to God and ask him to lead us to the truth.

God is Love… God is truth.

Let’s keep it simple….Seek Love…Seek Truth

Faith, Prayer, Spirituality

Discovering Grace Through Suffering

February 23, 2017 Vicki Scheenstra

“Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus…a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.”

“The way you heal the world is to start with your own family.”

Quotes of St. Teresa of Calcutta

Most of us remember how tirelessly Mother Teresa worked with the dying. She was known as a “living saint”. How do we handle the stress and suffering in our own lives?

For the past several years, our family has been caring for our mother who has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Each of us watched her suffer with the disease and suffered individually both from a sense of helplessness and from grief and sorrow. My sister and I cared for her day after day never knowing when the journey would come to an end. Other brothers and sisters helped when they could, knowing visits made it difficult for her to sleep. The last months were filled with stress and anxiety even with the help of hospice.

Questions about suffering and death were impossible to avoid. How could a loving and merciful God permit such suffering? If there is a God where was He?

I have been reflecting on the gifts given us by the Holy Spirit. I like to picture them as gifts under the Christmas tree. Christmas, after all, is when Jesus was born. God coming to earth to bring mankind salvation. He opened the door to heaven for us. The gifts of Faith, Hope and Love are in the Christmas presents under the tree.

Faith is the belief in something we cannot see. Similar to believing that the light switch will produce light even though we cannot see electricity.

Hope is what we receive when we have faith in everlasting life. We believe our spirit lives on in communion with the saints in heaven. What a party!

Love is the greatest commandment. Scripture tells us that without love we are a noisy gong. Jesus instructed us to love God with our whole hearts and love our neighbor as ourselves.

But what IS love? Love is caring more for the other person than yourself. When two people “fall in love”, they will do anything for each other. Over time, the only way we know if it is true love is if each person is willing to suffer for the other. Hopefully, both parties take turns and the person suffering is supported by the other. Suffering defines love!

If there was no suffering in the world, how would we prove our love? Sacrificial love is easy to understand when we think of our children. We would prefer to suffer ourselves than let them suffer. But holding them too tightly and overprotecting them also causes suffering. We must be willing to suffer from empty nest syndrome if our children are ever to be healthy adults. Marriages are supposed to be loving relationships, but too often either one or both person is unwilling to suffer and sacrifice to make it work. Suffering proves love!

Another gift found under the Christmas tree is the gift of grace. Grace is also known as the awareness of the presence (gift) of God in our lives. If we have the gift of grace we can see God in the face of the suffering. We can see God in creation. We can see God’s actions in everything around us.

Now that my mother is enjoying life again in heaven, I find myself asking more questions. How did we do it? How did our family bear with one another patiently over the past difficult years? How did we forgive each other when our patience failed us?

We did it with the grace of God. He was walking with each of us on this journey.

God is love. Love is defined by suffering.

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Faith, Spirituality

Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas

December 23, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

The Catholic Church celebrates Christmas for twelve days.

While the Nativity of Our Lord is celebrated Dec. 25, the Twelve days of Christmas begins on Christmas Day, Dec. 25(beginning at sundown), and ends at sunrise on Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. During the Christmas season the priest’s vestments are gold to symbolize the sacredness of the Christmas season. The change in the color of vestments indicates that Advent is over. During Advent, the priest’s vestments are purple to symbolize the holy season of waiting and prayer.

According to legend, the song The Twelve Days of Christmas was actually written by Jesuit priests in England during the sixteenth century. It was a time of persecution and the song was used to secretly teach basic facts regarding the Catholic faith. If someone studied all the items represented in the song they knew the basics of the catholic faith.

Each number had a secret meaning:

Twelve represented the twelve teachings mentioned in the Apostles Creed;

Eleven represented the faithful Apostles;

Ten represented the commandments;

Nine represented the choirs of angels;

Eight represented the Beatitudes;

Seven represented the seven sacraments;

Six represented the six days of creation;

Five represented the first books of the Old Testament;

Four represented the four gospels;

Three represented the Trinity;

Two represented the two natures of Christ…human and divine;

and One represented Jesus himself, our Lord and our God.

The Pear Tree represented the cross we must carry when we follow Christ.

The Apostles’ Creed is a summary of the faith taught by the Apostles. When we pray the Apostles Creed we are professing our faith in the church begun by the Apostles.

The Apostles’ Creed

We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
We believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic Church,
The communion of saints,
The resurrection of the body
and life everlasting. Amen

The Catholic Church has feast days throughout the year. Many of its feast days are in honor of the saints. The feast day given to a saint is usually the day he or she died and entered heaven.

Take a small amount of time each day during the twelve days of Christmas to meditate on the actual feast day we are celebrating.

The Nativity of Our Lord; December 25

The Word of God,

the Day whose light shines

upon the angels…

put on flesh and was born

of the Virgin Mary.

Quote of St. Augustine (Feast day August 28)

Feast day of St. Stephen; December 27

St. Stephen; First Martyr

Look! I see an opening in the sky,

and the Son of Man standing

at God’s right hand…

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Lord, do not hold

this sin against them.

Quote of St. Stephen

St. John the Evangelist; December 27

Apostle and Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist was one of the twelve Apostles. He wrote the fourth gospel: The Gospel of John. He is also known as the ‘Beloved Disciple’.

In the beginning

was the Word,

and the Word was God.

Gospel of John

The Holy Innocents; December 28

The Holy Innocents are the innocent children murdered by King Herod after the Magi told him about birth of the new King of the Jews, called the Christ child. The little children were murdered in an attempt to find and murder Christ, “The King of the Jews”.

The star of Bethlehem

shines

in the night of sin.

Quote of St. Edith Stein (Feast day August 9)

St. Thomas Becket; Feast Day December 29

St. Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was also a martyr. He was murdered with swords in the year 1170.

I feel as though I am with Mary and Joseph beside the Crib.

It is good to be there. Outside are the cold and the snow,

images of the world, but in the little cave,

lit by the light of Jesus, it is sweet and warm and light.

Quote of Bl. Charles de Foucauld (Feast day December 1)

St. Anysia; Feast Day December 30

St. Anysia was a martyr in Greece. She lived from 284-309. She was killed with a sword after being accosted by a soldier. She used her wealth to help the poor.

The prayer of a good innocent,and obedient child is like dew from heaven falling upon his whole family.

Quote of Bl. John XIII

St. Sylvester I; Feast Day December 31

St. Sylvester I was the Bishop of Rome. He died in the year 335 after helping to define doctrine at the Council of Nicea which proclaimed the Nicean Creed.

Call of Peter (Luke 5:20)

Do not be afraid;

from now on,

you will be catching people.”

Call of Levi (Luke 4:27)

“Follow me.”

Quote of Jesus Christ

Mary, Mother of God; Feast Day January 1

Mary was the Mother of Jesus and wife of St. Joseph. She was chosen by God the Father to bring Jesus into the world and raise him.

“Why should we be astonished if the God

who could work marvels in the scripture

and through His saints should choose to

reveal Himself even more marvelous

by means of His Mother?”

Quote of St. Bernard (Feast day August 20)

Feast day of St. Basil the Great; Feast Day January 2

St. Basil was the Bishop of Constantinople. He was known for his preaching and defending the two natures of Christ…both human and divine.

Troubles are usually the brooms

and shovels that smooth the road

to a good man’s fortune;

and many a man curses the rain that

falls upon his head,

and knows not

that it brings abundance.

Quote of St. Basil the Great

Most Holy Name of Jesus; Feast Day January 3

Jesus in the soul’s abyss is sweeter far than earthly bliss.

A flower strong is that name mild. Ne’er disturbed by

tempest wild. far lovelier than a diamond bright.

That name adorns the soul with light.

The name of Jesus sweetly rings like rarest zither’s silver strings.

Ah, Jesus, for your names blest sake, forgive my sins,

exceeding great.

Grant, dear Lord, that your fair name may wound my

heart with holy pain. Jesus, choicest love be ever thine.

Bless me Jesus, God of power, now and in

death’s departing hour.

Quote of Bl. Henry Suso (Feast day March 2)

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; Feast Day January 4

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first native born American to be canonized. She lived in New York, dying in 1821. She is the Founder and first Superior of the Sister of Charity in the U.S.

“Be attentive to the voice of Grace.”

Quote of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. John N. Neumann; Feast Day January 5

St. John N. Neumann was born in Bohemia. He emigrated to the U.S. becoming a Redemptorist priest and the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. He is the first American bishop to be canonized.

A man must always

be ready for death,

for death comes

when and where God wills it.

Quote of St. John N. Neumann

Feast of the Epiphany; Feast Day January 6

The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the Three Kings following the star to visit Jesus. They brought the King of the Jews gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The simple shepherds

heard the voice of an angel

and found their lamb;

the wise men saw the light of

a star and found their wisdom.

Quote of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen

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Faith, Martyr, patron saints, Saint of the Day

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Lucy, Feast Day December 13

The feast day of St. Lucy is celebrated on December 13. She is the patron saint of the blind and visually impaired. She is also a martyr.

St. Lucy was born in 283 in Syracuse (Sicily). The name Lucy means “Light”. Her feast day is celebrated on Dec. 13, the day she was executed.

Lucy was born into a wealthy family of Greek ancestry. She vowed her life to Christ. Her Roman father died when she was young. Her mother tried against her will to arrange a marriage for her. After Lucy prayed at the tomb of St. Agatha, her mother’s illness (probably a hemorrhage), was cured. Her mother then agreed to let Lucy consecrate herself to Christ and to remain a virgin.

The rejected suitor of Lucy denounced her and reported her Christianity to the authorities. The magistrate Paschasius was known for his persecution and torture of Christians. He ordered her to burn a sacrifice to the emperor’s image. When she refused, she was ordered to be executed, in the year 304, at the age of 21. The attempt to burn her to death failed, so she was executed by a sword to the throat. Before the execution, she was tortured, having her eyes gouged. This is why she is the patron of the blind and visually impaired. In art St. Lucy is frequently shown holding a golden plate with her eyes on it.

Legend concludes that God restored her sight before her death.

While some of the history of St. Lucy is legend, her name is mentioned in several different places, including the canon of St. Gregory, indicating that she is a real person. By the sixth century, devotion to St. Lucy was widespread.

“O Jesus, Divine Savior,

grant that I be no longer deaf

to your heavenly call.”

Quote of St. Katherine Drexel; Feast Day March 3

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

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Christmas, Faith, Spirituality

Living Nativities and Christmas Carols Reflect Franciscan Spirituality

The creche’ or nativity which is evident in many holiday displays actually began with a living nativity organized by St. Francis.

Before the time of St. Francis, Christmas was celebrated with a Christmas Mass which was prayed and sung in Latin, a language few people understood. It was St. Francis who decided it was time to bring exuberant joy to the celebration. Three years before he died, St. Francis was visiting the town of Grecio. After receiving permission from the pope, he arranged a living nativity. Knowing that the hermitage would be too small for midnight mass, he found a niche in the rock near town square and set up the altar.

According to St. Bonaventure who tells the story in his book The Life of St. Francis of Assisi, he prepared a manger, brought hay, an ox and an ass to the appointed place. The brethren were summoned and that venerable night was made glorious by many lights and sonorous psalms and praise. St Francis, a deacon, stood before the manger full of devotion and piety, bathed in tears and radiant with joy; the Holy Gospel was chanted by Francis. Then he preached to the people gathered around the nativity of the poor King. St. Francis, filled with much joy, referred to Jesus as the Babe of Bethlehem.

The tradition of the nativity has been carried on to this day. The nativity scene is a visible reminder of the night our savior was born.

St. Francis is also responsible for the tradition of the Christmas Carol. He decided to add religious lyrics to popular tunes of his time, which became known as Christmas Carols. The first Christmas Carol was Psalmus in Nativitate. It was written in Latin so it could be sung at Mass but sung to a popular tune all the people knew. As living nativity scenes became popular, the people began singing the carols that have become familiar to us today.

In keeping with Franciscan Spirituality, perhaps we can create new Christmas Carols using familiar tunes of our day. The following Christmas Carol is an example.

An Ode to Jesus on Christmas

By Vicki Scheenstra

(Sung to melody of Angels from the Realms of Glory)

Christmas, what a wondrous season

Love and peace, they fill the air

Joy surrounds us, in the giving

All because, a babe is born

Born of Mary, Prince of Peace

Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King

Let us ponder, at the Mystery

Of Our Lord, the Giving King

How he brings us our redemption

Peace on earth, and love he brings

What he gives us is a treasure

Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King

Faith in Jesus is a treasure

Treasure of a different kind

It is hard to even measure

How His love can heal mankind.

Born of Mary, Prince of Peace

Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King

Born of Mary, in a stable

Starlight shining overhead

Angels sing in adoration

King of Kings and Prince of Peace

Love will heal us if we let Him

Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King!

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Faith

Advent: The Season of Waiting

Quote November 27, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

The period of four weeks before Christmas is called Advent. It is a period of anticipation and hope. In today’s culture it is a busy time, filled with shopping and socializing. However, in ages past, it was a quiet and sacred time of prayer and waiting… anticipating the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on the birth of Jesus, we look with hope to our salvation. Jesus was born of Mary. He became man to redeem us. By the cross, we are saved from our sins and have the hope of eternal life. What a tremendous mystery! How can a little baby be both human and divine?

The omnipotence of God is shown by his humbling himself and becoming a man. His humble beginnings, being born in a manger, tells us of his connection to the poor and lowly. He was not the type of king the Jewish people were expecting. The kingdom of God is an important thing to reflect on during the Christmas Season. Are we trying to follow the teachings of Jesus…to love not only our neighbor but our enemies? Are we helping the poor and downtrodden?

God is love. When we look at a little baby it is easy to define love. However, we need to be loving our neighbor at all times. Celebrating the incarnation (God becoming Man) this year, let’s try not to lose sight of the spiritual nature of Christmas. Waiting helps us to slow down. Hopefully, we will be spending time in prayer… sharing with God our hopes, difficulties, fears and love.

A soul enkindled with love is a gentle, meek, humble, and patient soul.

Quote of St. John of the Cross

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Faith, Prayer, Quote, Spirituality

What do the Saints Tell Us About Purgatory?

Learn what the Saints believed about Purgatory. The quotes of the saints can teach us the beliefs of the early Church.

Halloween is celebrated on Oct. 31. Halloween stands for “All Hallows Eve.” It falls on the night before All Saint’s Day which is followed by All Soul’s Day on Nov. 2. On All Saint’s Day the Church celebrates the lives of the Saints. On All Soul’s Day the Church prays for the dead, who are on their pilgrimage to heaven (Purgatory).

Although the word Purgatory (as well as the words Trinity and Incarnation) does not appear in the Bible there are several references to it in both the New and the Old Testament. The Saints have testified to their belief in purgatory also.

The three main reasons Catholics believe in Purgatory are the following:

The Bible teaches us to “pray for the dead”.

(2 Maccabees 12:44-45). For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.
The Bible tells us of a cleansing fire.
(Hebrews 12:29) Our God is a consuming fire. Zechariah 13” 8-9 In the whole land, says the Lord, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive. And I will put this third into the fire, refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say,
“They are my people”, and they will say, “The Lord is our God.”
St. Paul prayed for the dead. (2 Timothy 1: 17-18) St. Paul prays for Onesiphorus who has died.
The Church Fathers and early Saints believed in Purgatory: The Church Fathers have a long tradition of praying for the dead. St. Augustine was asked by his mother Monica to pray for him at the altar. St. Gertrude the Great had a devotion to the Souls in Purgatory, as did St. Pio, St. Bridget and St. Bernadette.

The following quotes from the saints of the Catholic Church show that purgatory is a belief that has always existed in the church.

St. Paul, First Century, Feast Day June 29

“May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesephores, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain….. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord in that day!

Quote of St. Paul

2. St. Augustine of Hippo, Africa d. 430, Feast Day August 28

“Some suffer temporal punishments only in this life, others only after death, still others both in life and after death, but always before this most strict and most final court.”

Quote of St. Augustine

3. St. Monica, Africa 331-337 Feast Day August 27

To St. Augustine before her death:

“All I ask is this, that wherever you may be,

you will remember me at the altar of the Lord.”

Quote of St. Monica

4. St. John Chrysostom; Antioch 344-407 Feast Day Sept. 13

“Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their fathers sacrifices why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.”

Quote of St. John Chrysostom

5. St. Gertrude the Great; Germany 1256-1302 Feast Day Nov. 16

“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most precious Blood of Thy Divine Son , Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the wold today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, those in the Universal Church, in my home and in my family. Amen“

Quote of St. Gertrude

6. St. Catherine of Genoa; Italy 1447-1510 Feast Day Sept. 15

“No one is barred from heaven. Whoever wants to enter heaven may do so because God is merciful. Our Lord will welcome us into glory with his arms wide open. The Almighty is pure however, and if a person is conscious of the least trace of imperfection and at the same time understands that Purgatory is ordained to do away with such impediments, the soul enters this place of perfection gladly to accept so great a mercy of God. The worst suffering of these suffering souls is to have sinned against Divine Goodness and not to have been purified in this life.”

Quote of St. Catherine of Genoa

7. St. Francis de Sales; France 1567-1622 Feast Day Jan. 24

“With Charity towards the dead we practice all the works of charity. The Church encourages us to aid the souls in purgatory, who in turn will reward us abundantly when they come into their glory.”

Quote of St. Francis de Sales

8. St. Margaret Mary; France 1647-1690 Feast Day October 16

“If only you knew with what great longing these holy souls yearn for relief from their suffering. Ingratitude has never entered Heaven.”

Quote of St. Margaret Mary

9. St. Gregory the Great; Italy 540-604 Feast Day Sept. 3

“Each one will be presented to the Judge exactly as he was when he departed this life. Yet there must be a cleansing fire before judgement because of some minor faults that may remain to be purged away.”

Pope St. Gregory the Great, Dialogues

10. St. Thomas Aquinas; Naples, Italy 1226-1274 Feast Day Jan. 28

“The more one longs for a thing, the more painful does deprivation of it become. And because after this life, the desire for God, the Supreme Good, is intense in the souls of the just (because this impetus toward him is not hampered by the weight of the body and that time of enjoyment of the “Perfect Good would have come) had there been no obstacle, the souls suffers enormously from this delay.”

Quote of St. Thomas Aquinas

11. St. Faustina; Poland 1905-1938

“O Jesus, I understand that your mercy is beyond all imagining, and therefore I ask you to make my heart so big that there will be room in it for the needs of all the souls living on the face of the earth. O Jesus, my love extends beyond the world, to the souls suffering in purgatory, and I want to exercise mercy toward them by means of indulgenced prayers. God’s mercy is unfathomable and inexhaustible, just as God himself is unfathomable. Even if I were to use the strongest words there are to express this mercy of God, all this would be nothing in comparison with what it is in reality. O Jesus, make my heart sensitive to all the sufferings of my neighbor, whether of body or of soul. O my Jesus, I know that You are toward us as we are toward our neighbor.”

Quote of St. Faustina

12. St. John Vianney; France 1786-1859 Feast Day August 4

“It is definite that only a few chosen ones do not go to Purgatory and the suffering there that one must endure exceed our imagination.”

Quote of St. John Vianney

13. St. Bernadette Lourdes, France Died 1879 Feast Day April 16

“In our prayers, let us not forget sinners and the poor souls in Purgatory especially our poor relatives.”

Quote of St. Bernadette

14. St. Pio of Pietreleina; Italy 1887-1968 Feast Day Sept. 23

“May the prayer of thy suppliant people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, benefit the souls of thy departed servants and handmaids: that thou may both deliver them from all their sins, and make them to be partakers of thy redemption. Amen

Eternal rest grant to them, O lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen

May their souls and the souls of the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen“

Quote of St. Padre Pio

15. St. Bridget of Sweden 1303-1373 Feast Day July 23

St. Bridget to Our Blessed Lady:

“You are my Mother, the Mother of Mercy, and the consolation of the souls in Purgatory.”

Our Blessed Lady to St. Bridget

“I am the Mother of all the Poor Souls; for my prayers serve to mitigate their sufferings every single hour that they remain there. (Purgatory).”

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Faith, Prayer, Spirituality

Why Pray for the Dead?

To understand the doctrine of purgatory, it is necessary to understand several beliefs of the catholic church.

It is good to pray for the dead
We believe in tradition
Nothing unclean may enter heaven

Praying for the dead is a tradition which precedes the New Testament. In 2 Maccabees 23:45-46 it says:

“But if he was looking to the splendid reward that was laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, so that they might be delivered from their sin.“

It is good to pray for the dead. Why? If there are only two choices after death…heaven or hell...what purpose is there in praying for the dead? The historical practice of praying for the dead tells us that the belief that our prayer is heard and answered was an ancient belief.

The Catholic Church believes in tradition as well as scripture. The four marks of the church are stated in the Creed. We believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Being apostolic means that not only can the church be traced back to the apostles, but our beliefs can be traced back to the apostles as well. Remember, Jesus came to fulfill the law not to change it. (Matt 5:17)

Oral tradition was the method used to pass on the faith in the beginning. The bible was not even written down during the Apostolic Age. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 we are told the following:

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the tradition that you were taught by us either by word of mouth or by our letter.”

Praying for the dead is an established tradition of the early Christians. One example of this is that in the fourth century St. Monica requested St. Augustine to remember her in the mass after she died.

Most of us know that we are unworthy to enter heaven. Jesus came to save us, however we still need to be cleansed by purifying fire before entering heaven. In Hebrews 12:29 it states the Our God is a consuming fire. We believe that before we enter heaven the fire of God’s love consumes the scars and effects of the sins we committed in out life. This explains the doctrine of purgatory as we understand it.

It is very comforting to know that our prayers make a difference. It is also comforting to know that I will be purified before facing God in heaven. A God whose love is so strong it is compared to fire….a fire which will consume and purify me.

Another way to look at purification is a cleansing. Before we go to a party or celebration we usually bathe and dress up to look appropriate. The purification we receive before partaking in the heavenly banquet makes us able to see God without the stain and scars of the sin which occurred during our lifetime.

We attend the heavenly banquet appropriately cleansed and dressed!

Praying for those souls who are in the purification process in purgatory relieves the suffering of both the soul in purgatory and my own soul.

The following prayer was given to St. Gertrude the Great by our Lord in a vision. Her feast day is celebrated on Nov. 16.

“Eternal Father, I offer thee the most precious Blood of thy divine son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.”

Just as I pray on a regular basis for my loved ones who I confidently hope are already in heaven, I pray that those who love me will in turn pray for me after my death.

Prayer can heal! Prayer is powerful!

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Faith, Prayer, Spirituality

Do Evil Spirits Really Exist?

Quote October 29, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

The Fall of Man Michelangelo — The Fall of Man
Michelangelo

On Halloween, we see many representations of good and evil: angels, witches, devils, monsters, princesses, gangsters, rock stars, politicians, super heroes.

While we are made in the image of God, each of us has a temptation to do evil. Society glamorizes evil.

If we take the Bible seriously, we should not doubt the existence of Satan and evil spirits. Jesus refers to Satan and angels multiple times.

Satan is actually an angel. He fell from grace when he turned from God. He has been at war with God ever since.

It is only in modern times, that people have denied the existence of evil spirits. Halloween is a time when we should reflect on the good and evil evident around us.

Halloween (All Hallows Eve) comes on the night before All Saint’s Day. Halloween is a display of both good and evil. All Saint’s Day (November 1st) is a display of people who have overcome evil for the glory of God.

Angels have existed since the beginning of creation. They are servants and messengers of God. Unlike human beings they are pure spirits. During the life of Jesus they are always present. Archangel Gabriel announces his birth, they protect Jesus in his infancy, (Mat 4) serve him in the desert, and they strengthen him in his agony in the garden,

The Feast Day of the Archangels is celebrated on September 29. The Feast Day of the Guardian Angels is celebrated on Oct. 2.

The Church teaches that Satan, in the beginning, was a good angel, but became evil by choice. We learn in the bible that Jesus came to conquer evil.

“Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God was revealed for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.“ 1 John 8

When Jesus is praying in the Garden before his crucifixion, he prayed for unity among Christians. He also prayed for protection against satan.

“I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15)

The fallen angels have never repented for their fall from grace. Their hatred of God leads them to seduce men into choosing their evil ways.

We have free will. God did not create evil. On Halloween, we should reflect on which path we wish to follow…the path of God…or the path of evil.

Being neutral is not an option, it is evil; the sin of omission, laziness, and being lukewarm.

The devil is always trying to tempt us to do evil. We need to turn to God with the Lord’s prayer when we need to be strengthened.

‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:13)

We need to be aware of the evil around us and the temptations which may cause us to go astray. How else can we choose to do good rather than evil? Pray! Pray! Pray!

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Feast Days, Our Lady, Saint of the Day

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

September 16, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Baciccio Pieta 1667 Public Domain Image — Baciccio Pieta 1667

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.

Giovanni bellini pieta martinengo Public Domain Image — Giovanni bellini pieta martinengo
Public Domain Image

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

La Pieta Michelangelo Public Domain Image — La Pieta Michelangelo

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

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Faith, Feast Days, Prayer, Saint of the Day, Spirituality

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

Crucifixion of Jesus Public Domain Image — Crucifixion of Jesus

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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1. St. George…Feast Day April 23rd…Died 303

2. St. Blaise… Feast Day Feb. 3

3. St. Erasmus (or St. Elmo)…Feast Day June 2…Martyr

4. St. Pantaleon … Feast Day July 27th…D. 304

5. St. Vitus (also St. Guy)… Feast Day June 14

6. St. Christopher … martyr … Former Feast Day July 25

7. St. Denis (also Dionysius) Feast Day October 9 bishop and martyr

8. St. Cyriacus (also Cyriac)… Feast Day August 8 … deacon and martyr

9. St. Aciathius (also Acaciid) … Feast Day May 8th

10. St. Eustace (also Eustachius, Eustathius)… Feast Day Sept. 20th

11. St. Giles the Abbot (also Aegildius)… Feast Day Sept. 1… Hermit and abbot

13. St. Catherine of Alexandria … Feast Day Nov 25th

14. St. Barbara… Feast Day December 4

The saints are men and women who have joy in their hearts and spread it to others… never hating, but serving the others.

Quote by Pope Frances on Nov. 1, 2013 All Saints Day

The 14 Holy Helpers in Art

December is the Month of the Divine Infancy

An Ode to Jesus on Christmas

Born of Mary, in a stable

Starlight shining overhead

Angels sing in adoration

King of Kings and Prince of Peace

Love will heal us if we let Him

Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King!

Why Pray for the Dead?

“Eternal Father, I offer thee the most precious Blood of thy divine son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.”

Prayer can heal! Prayer is powerful!

September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

Discovering the Spirituality of Catholicism

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