What is the basis of the nine days Novena Prayer?

The word Novena is a Latin word that means nine (9). This is series of public or private prayers that extends over nine consecutive days, especially nine days before a certain feast. This refers to the tradition of saying the same prayers on nine consecutive days. This tradition has its basis in the Bible.

On Acts 1-2, the Apostles, believers and Mary waited and prayed for nine days for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Novenas are made especially in honor of the saints to ask their intercession for certain benefits. They are also frequently in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary under her many names.

What's more important in life... (author unknown)

A young man learns what's most important in life
from the guy next door.

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams.

There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday."

Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me? "

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing.. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important ... Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture. Jack stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

"Jack, Thanks for your time! - Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most was...my time"

Jack held the watch for a few minutes then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked. "I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet thanks for your time!"

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,"

Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
5. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in possiblities and have faith you will get it or something better.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
13. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.
14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

If you want, share this to all the people you care about.
If you do so, you will certainly brighten someone's day
and might change their perspective on life... for the better.

To you who took time to read this blog.
"Thanks for your time!"

Beatitudes of Marriage (Author unknown)

Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate,
considerate, and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.

Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to
one another as they are to their friends.

Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in
the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime
of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.

Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of
the Lord.

Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer.

Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who make their home a place "where seldom is heard a discouraging word."

Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship
service of the church, and who work together in the church for the
advancement of Christ's kingdom.

Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of
adjustment without interference from relatives.

Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial matters, and have worked out a perfect partnership, with all money under the control of both.

Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and
their homes to Christ, and who practice the teachings of Christ in the
home by being unselfish, loyal and loving.

Analogy on why God allows pain and suffering

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children?

If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things." The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist." "How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!" "No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me." "Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

Origin of the Name Jesus Christ and the word Catholic

Please click on the links:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03449a.htm:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08374x.htm

The Mysteries of the ROSARY with Bible references..

The Joyful Mysteries(Said on Mondays, Saturdays)

First Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary

read: Luke 1:26-38

Second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

read: Luke 1:39-56

Third Joyful Mystery - The Birth of Jesus

read: Luke 2:6-20/Matthew 2:1-12/John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18

Fourth Joyful Mystery - The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

read: Luke 2:22-35. 39-40

Fifth Joyful Mystery - Finding Jesus in the Temple

read: Luke 2:41-52

The Luminous Mysteries(Said on Thursdays)

First Luminous Mystery - The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
read:Matthew 3:13-17/Mark 1:9-11/luke 3:21-22

The Second Luminous Mystery - The Wedding at Cana

read: John 2:11

The Third Luminous Mystery - the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
read: Matthew 4:13-17. 5:1-12/Mark 1:14-15. 21-28/Luke 4:14-22

The Fourth Luminous Mystery - The Transfiguration of Jesus
read: Matthew 17:1-8/Luke 9:28-35/Mark 9:2-8

The Fifth Luminous Mystery - The Last Supper, the Holy Eucharist
read: Matthew 26:26-28/Luke 22:14-20/Mark 14:22-24/1st Corinthians 11:23-26

The Sorrowful Mysteries(Said on Tuesdays, Fridays)

First Sorrowful Mystery - Agony of Jesus in the Garden
read: Matthew 26:36-45/Mark 14:32-41/Luke 22:39-46

Second Sorrowful Mystery - Jesus is Scourged at the Pillar
read: Matthew 27:15-26/Mark 15:6-15/Luke 23:1-5/John 18:38-19:1

Third Sorrowful Mystery - Jesus is Crowned With Thorns
read: Matthew 27:27-31/Mark 15:16-20/John 19:2-16

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery - Jesus Carries His Cross
read: Matthew 27:31-32/Mark 15:20-23/Luke 23:26-31

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery - The Crucifixion of Jesus
read: Matthew 27:33-50/Mark 15:22-37/Luke 23:33-47/John 19:18-30

The Glorious Mysteries(Said on Wednesdays, Sundays)

First Glorious Mystery - The Resurrection of Jesus
read: John 20:1-23/Luke 24:1-12/Mark 16:1-11/Matthew 28:1-10

Second Glorious Mystery - The Ascension of Jesus
read: Luke 24:46-53/Matthew28:16-20/Mark 16:14-20/Acts 1:1-11

Third Glorious Mystery - The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
read: Acts 2:1-12

Fourth Glorious Mystery - The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
read: Luke 1:26-38. 1:41-55/1st Corinthians 15:20-26/Revelations 12:1-12

Fifth Glorious Mystery - The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
read: Matthew 25:31-40/Revelation 7:9-17

-end-

Prayers used in the ROSARY.

Prayers used in the Rosary

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introductory Prayers

Leader: Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you.

All: Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

L: O Lord open my lips.

A: And my mouth shall declare your praise.

L: O God come to my assistance.

A:O Lord make haste to help me.

L: Glory be to the father to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

A: As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

The Apostles’ Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spiritand born of the Virgin Mary.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 heavenand is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,the holy catholic Church,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the resurrection of the body,and the life everlasting.Amen.The Lord’s Prayer/Our FatherOur Father, Who art in heavenHallowed be Thy Name;Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread,and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us;and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Glory be to the father.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and will be for ever. Amen.

The Hail Mary.

Hail Mary, full of grace! the Lord is with thee; blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Prayer to Jesus Requested By Our Lady. (Fatima Prayer)

O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, take all souls to Heaven, and help especially those most in need of Your mercy.

Hail Holy Queen.

Hail! Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,Hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary!

The Litany of the blessed Virgin

Leader: Lord, have mercy on us.
Answer: Lord have mercy on us.
L:Christ, have mercy on us.
A:Christ have mercy on us.
L:Lord, have mercy on us.
A:Lord have mercy on us.
L: Christ hear us.
A:Christ, graciously hear us.

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

L:Holy Mary,
A:pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins,
pray for us.
Mother of Christ,
pray for us.
Mother of the Church,
pray for us.
Mother of divine grace,
pray for us.
Mother most pure,
pray for us.
Mother most chaste,
pray for us.
Mother inviolate,
pray for us.
Mother undefiled,
pray for us.
Mother most amiable,
pray for us.
Mother most admirable,
pray for us.
Mother of good counsel,
pray for us.
Mother of our Creator,
pray for us.
Mother of our Savior,
pray for us.
Virgin most prudent,
pray for us.
Virgin most venerable,
pray for us.
Virgin most renowned,
pray for us.
Virgin most powerful,
pray for us.
Virgin most merciful,
pray for us.
Virgin most faithful,
pray for us.
Mirror of justice,
pray for us.
Seat of wisdom,
pray for us.
Cause of our joy,
pray for us.
Spiritual vessel,
pray for us.
Vessel of honor,
pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion,
pray for us.
Mystical rose,
pray for us.
Tower of David,
pray for us.
Tower of ivory,
pray for us.
House of gold,
pray for us.
Ark of the covenant,
pray for us.
Gate of heaven,
pray for us.
Morning star,
pray for us.
Health of the sick,
pray for us.
Refuge of sinners,
pray for us.
Comfort of the afflicted,
pray for us.
Help of Christians,
pray for us.
Queen of Angels,
pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs,
pray for us.
Queen of Prophets,
pray for us.
Queen of Apostles,
pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs,
pray for us.
Queen of Confessors,
pray for us.
Queen of Virgins,
pray for us.
Queen of all Saints,
pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin,
pray for us.
Queen assumed into heaven,
pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
pray for us.
Queen of the family,
pray for us.
Queen of Peace,
pray for us.
Leader:Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Answer:spare us, O Lord!.
L:Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
A:graciously hear us, O Lord!
L:Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
A:have mercy on us.

L:Queen of the most Holy Rosary, Pray for us,
A: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

All: Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten son, by his life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life. Grant we beseech thee that meditating upon these mysteries of the most Holy Rosary, of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ, our Lord, Amen.

Closing Prayer.

Leader:May the divine assistance remain always with us.

Answer: Amen.

Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Answer: Amen.

Leader: May the blessing of almighty God: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, descend upon us and remain with us always.

Answer: Amen.
-end-

How to Pray the ROSARY.

How to Pray the Rosary

1. Make the sign of the cross.
2. Say the our Father.
3. Say three Hail Marys for increase of Hope, Faith and Charity.
4. Say the Glory be to the Father.
5. Announce the Mystery to be meditated upon; pause for a while; announce the intention for which the decade is offered, then say the Our Father..
6. Say ten (10) hail Marys while meditating on the mystery that has just been announced.
7. Say the glory be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer.
8. Repeat steps 5 to 7 for each of the remaining four meysteries.
9. Pray the Hail Holy Queen.
10. Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin.
11. Say the closing Prayer.

What feeds your mind? by: Marino J. Dasmarinas

This is the one million dollar question: What feeds your mind? Is it your worries? Is it your desire for money? There are a lot of things that feeds our mind and we may not know it that some of these are actually depreciating us.

Worry no more, the Bible tells us: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)
Is it your desire for money? The Bible has this to say: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1st Timothy 6:10)
Feed your mind with God and you will not go wrong; this is what the Bible tells us: “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew. 6:33).

Pray, Read the Bible specially the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (this is where you will intimately know who really Jesus is) and meditate on its words. Attend Mass or your Church service (if you’re not a Catholic). When you feed your mind with God you’ll have peace in your heart and you’ll feel Jesus presence in your life every step of the way.

What are you feeding your mind right now?

How did the word CATHOLIC came into being?

The original existing reference to the “Catholic Church” occurred in a letter written by St. Ignatius of Antioch.

In his Letter to the Smyrnaeans written in 107 AD the following statement was written: “Wherever the bishop is, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” This declaration is interesting for numerous reasons. One reason is that the name “Catholic” used to designate Jesus’ Church was apparently not new. St. Ignatius felt no need to clarify or defend the name. This points to an earlier year for the beginning of the name Catholic. It is not a stretch to conceive the beginning of the name “Catholic” to the first century. Another reason that this statement is remarkable is that the man that first wrote that the Church was called “Catholic” was from Antioch. It was also in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). One other reason that this statement from St. Ignatius is interesting is that Jesus and the Catholic Church are united as one. “Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.” In other words, Jesus is always found with the Catholic Church. This fulfills the words of our Lord, “Behold, I am with you always even until the end of the world!” (Matthew 28:20).

Why do Catholics have crucifixes?

Please click on the link:

http://www.thebostonpilot.com/articleopinion.asp?ID=6018

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Please click on this link:

http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/entiretoc1.htm

or

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

My Reflections for the fifth Sunday of Lent (John 11:3-7,17,20-27,33-45) March 9, Jesus, Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus

My reflections:
Our relationship with our friends has different degrees; there are friends whom we can freely unburden whatever emotions we have. There are those whom we are wary of sharing our deepest secrets for fear of betrayal and scorn. This is also true on how we give our love to our friends. There is superficial love and there’s sacrificial or agape love towards our friends.

In the gospel we clearly see the deep friendship and love amongst Jesus and sisters Mary and Martha together with their brother Lazarus. When Lazarus got sick both sisters went to see Jesus and told him: "Master, the one you love is ill." ( Jn 11:3). On Jn 11:5 it says “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” On Jn 11:20 it says: “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him.” Then when Jesus was already in their house Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Jn. 11:21.
When Jesus saw where Lazarus was buried he wept. Jn. 11:35.
What does these following Bible passages tell us? It simply tells us that Jesus can also be our friend; he is a friend that is not bounded by time and space, he is an ever present friend; we must be aware of his presence in our lives. He is a friend that is always there ready to listen, ready to help us lighten our load. We just need to be open to him.

On Matthew 11:28 Jesus tells us: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

The Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Isaiah 11:2

The Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
There are seven gifts of the Holy Spirit as quoted in Isaiah 11:2 the first is Wisdom second is Understanding, third is Counsel, and fourth is Fortitude fifth is Knowledge sixth is Piety and the seventh is Fear of the Lord.

The Gift of Wisdom
The gift of wisdom points those who have it to see things from God’s perspective. Wisdom is completeness of knowledge. Wisdom inspires us through meditative reflection on what we believe. The gift of wisdom supports the virtue of faith and shields us against foolishness.

The gift of Understanding
The gift of understanding gives to the mind of those who have it a charm for understanding Jesus’ public disclosure without any difficulty. It helps those who have it penetrate to the heart of discovered fact even when they do not fully understand its entirety.

The gift of Counsel
The gift of counsel perfects in those who have it the virtue of carefulness. It enables an individual to judge without delay and correctly, as by intuition, what should be done in difficult situations through the gift of counsel the Holy Spirit speaks to the heart and shows those who have it what to do. Jesus gave His followers a gift like counsel when He told them, Mt 10:19 “When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

The gift of Fortitude
The gift of fortitude brings to those who have it a determined spirit of resolution, decisiveness of mind, and indomitable will to persevere with a profound faith in God’s providence that overcomes all obstacles. It brings courage to persevere despite trials, sickness, maltreatment or external failure. A Catholic who becomes steadfast in his faith will be condemned by the world, but the gift of fortitude will sustain him.

The gift of Knowledge
The gift of knowledge enables those who have it to make wise judgment and opinion. He can see God’s providence in everything that happens to his life and he is able to wisely discern the good and bad side of it.

The gift of Piety
The gift of Piety creates an instinctive love for God and fidelity to those who are consecrated to God. Piety arises from the Holy Spirit’s supernatural communication, rather than from effort or acquired habit.Piety is the gift wherein, at the Holy Spirit's initiation, we give worship and duty to God as our Father."

The gift of Fear of the Lord
The gift of fear of the Lord confirms profound respect for God’s splendor and self-sacrificing love for God. It protects us from sin through fear of offending God. I just want to make it clear that this gift has nothing to do with fear of punishment. We express fear of the Lord in a perfect act of contrition/repentance.

N.B. If we will look through Isaiah 11:2 there are only six gift of the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t include the gift of Piety. However the foundation of the established names of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which is the Septuagint and the Vulgate read "piety" for fear of the LORD when it first came out, therefore listing seven gifts.