O Good Saint Anne,
who had the incomparable privilege of bringing into the world
Her who was to become the Mother of God,
I come to place myself
under your special care.
I confide myself to you,
together with the child I am carrying.
Thousands of children owe you,
Glorious Mother of Mary,
the life of the body and the grace of baptism.
Hence I wish, in my turn,
to place my whole confidence in you.
Make me keep in mind the precautions I need to take
so as not to …
“And fear nothing, dear soul, whoever you are; the greater the sinner, the greater his right to Your mercy, O Lord.”
Today is, quite possibly, one of my favorite feast days – the Feast of Saint Faustina Kowalska, who said the beautiful quote above (one of my favorites). Why is St. Faustina so amazing and why do I love her feast day so much? It’s quite simple actually: mercy.
This humble Polish nun became one of the greatest messengers of God’s mercy and especially for our modern times. The news of God’s great mercy is nothing new to us – it’s a grace that goes all the way back to the beginning pages of Scripture, when Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden. In His mercy and from that very moment, God planned to send His Son to save us from our sins and open up the gates of heaven and eternal life to us.
However, we hear more about Divine Mercy now thanks to St. Faustina, as she wrote down the many revelations she received on this topic from the Lord. It is through her that we have the Image of Divine Mercy, the beautiful devotion of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and so much more.
When I was a high school student, our youth group had a devotion to Divine Mercy. As a retreat team, we’d consecrate ourselves and our retreat weekend to Divine Mercy, beginning every team meeting with the chaplet. That’s stuck with me for the past decade-plus. Since becoming a youth minister myself, I’ve taken the opportunity to share about the devotion and teach about St. Faustina several times now.
Why was Divine Mercy so significant to me back then and still so impactful to me right now? Because it serves as a simple and beautiful reminder to me that, no matter how far away I may stray from God as a result of sin and my own failings, He still loves me and welcomes me back with open arms, every single time. Not only is it a message of mercy and love but it is one of hope for all of us.
In honor of Faustina’s feast day today, I encourage you to take a moment and examine your conscience. Have you fallen short lately? Are you in need of God’s mercy? If so, take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He is waiting for you, to shower you with His love and mercy.
“Y no temas nada, querida alma, quienquiera que seas; mientras mas grave el pecador, más derecho tiene a Tu misericordia, oh Señor.”
Hoy es, muy posiblemente, uno de mis días de fiesta favoritos: la fiesta de Santa Faustina Kowalska, quien dijo la hermosa frase anterior (una de mis favoritas). ¿Por qué Santa Faustina es tan asombrosa y por qué me encanta tanto su fiesta? Es bastante simple: por la misericordia.
Esta humilde monja polaca se convirtió en una de las más grandes mensajeras de la misericordia de Dios y especialmente para nuestros tiempos modernos. La noticia de la gran misericordia de Dios no es nada nuevo para nosotros: es una gracia que se remonta a las primeras páginas de las Escrituras, cuando Adán y Eva cayeron en el Jardín del Edén. En Su misericordia y desde ese mismo momento, Dios planeó enviar a Su Hijo para salvarnos de nuestros pecados y abrirnos las puertas del cielo y la vida eterna.
Sin embargo, ahora escuchamos más acerca de la Divina Misericordia gracias a Santa Faustina, ya que ella escribió las muchas revelaciones que recibió sobre este tema del Señor. Es a través de ella que tenemos la Imagen de la Divina Misericordia, la hermosa devoción de la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia y mucho más.
Cuando yo era estudiante de secundaria, nuestro grupo de jóvenes tenía una devoción a la Divina Misericordia. Como equipo de retiro, nos consagraramos a nosotros mismos y nuestro fin de semana de retiro a la Divina Misericordia, comenzando cada reunión del equipo con la coronilla. Eso se quedó conmigo durante la última década y más. Desde que me convertí en ministro de jóvenes, he aprovechado la oportunidad para compartir sobre la devoción y enseñar sobre Santa Faustina varias veces.
¿Por qué la Divina Misericordia fue tan importante para mí en ese entonces y todavía me impacta tanto ahora? Porque me sirve como un recordatorio simple y hermoso de que, no importa cuán lejos me aleje de Dios como resultado del pecado y mis propias fallas, Él todavía me ama y me recibe con los brazos abiertos, cada vez. No sólo es un mensaje de misericordia y amor, sino también de esperanza para todos nosotros.
En honor a la fiesta de Faustina hoy, los animo a que tomen un momento y hagan un examen de conciencia. ¿Te has quedado corto últimamente? ¿Necesitas de la misericordia de Dios? Si es así, aprovecha el Sacramento de la Reconciliación. Él te está esperando para colmarte de su amor y misericordia.
Erin is a Cleveland native and graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is passionate about the Lord Jesus, all things college sports and telling stories and she is blessed enough to get paid for all three of her passions as a full-time youth minister and a freelance sports writer.
Feature Image Credit: Angie Menes, cathopic.com/photo/13303-la-misericordia-de-dios
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament was born as Helena Kowalska, in Glogowiec, Leczyca County, north-west of LĂłdz in Poland on August 25, 1905. She was the third of 10 children to a poor and religious family.
Faustina first felt a calling to the religious life when she was just seven-years-old and attended the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. After finishing her schooling, Faustina wanted to immediately join a convent. However, her parents refused to let her.
Instead, …
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, …
The readings today mention three disciples of Christ: St.Paul, Mary and Martha. This is fitting as the Church celebrates St. Francis of Assisi. Each of these very different individuals had to find his or her own unique path to follow Jesus.
In the First Reading St. Paul briefly speaks about his early life as a Jew and his conversion to Christianity. Paul had no intention of becoming a follower of Christ Jesus. He was “a zealot for [his] ancestral traditions.” His conversion to the Way allowed him to proclaim and instruct the Gentiles throughout Arabia, Cilicia, Damascus, and Syria. St. Paul’s writings and witness continue to lead many to Christ.
St. Paul was an educated man. St. Francis was brought up in an educated, wealthy family. He led a carefree life, enjoyed friends, parties and had little to worry about. He wanted to be a knight. Francis was captured on his first campaign as a cavalry soldier, imprisoned, and became ill. He was held captive for a year and read about the lives of the saints.
When Francis returned home he was not the same person. His spirit was troubled. Things he used to enjoy just didn’t make him happy the way they used to. He took time to pray and heard Christ speak to rebuild His Church.
St. Francis did not have an easy life once he chose to follow his Heavenly Father. He made mistakes, faced many challenges and accomplished much in his own ‘little’ journey to learn Jesus’ Way. He made changes in how he dealt with life events. He prayed and fasted while in service to others. Francis went about his life by doing what God gave him to do; to live the Gospel moment by moment, day by day.
In the Gospel, Martha wanted Jesus to direct Mary to assist with the serving. Jesus did not do so, telling her that Mary had chosen the better part. He told Martha she was anxious and worried about many things.
I have been told by my spiritual director, a priest and a deacon and a few others as well, that I too, have been worried and anxious about things I cannot control, or situations that I have chosen for myself. I need to remember to go through my day one moment at a time, without making assumptions or worrying about the outcome of any situation.
Francis prayed this prayer frequently before the Crucifix where he heard God speak during his early discernment and ministry. I find much comfort in it; please pray with me.
“Most high and glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, sense and knowledge, so that I may carry out Your holy and true command.” Amen.
Las lecturas de hoy mencionan a tres discípulos de Cristo: San Pablo, María y Marta. Que apropiado ya que la Iglesia celebra hoy a San Francisco de Asís. Cada uno de estos individuos tan diferentes tuvo que encontrar su propio camino único para seguir a Jesús.
En la Primera Lectura, San Pablo habla brevemente sobre su vida de joven como judío y su conversión al cristianismo. Pablo no tenía intención de convertirse en un seguidor de Cristo Jesús. Era “un fanático de [sus] tradiciones ancestrales”. Su conversión al Camino le permitió proclamar e instruir a los gentiles por toda Arabia, Cilicia, Damasco y Siria. Los escritos y el testimonio de San Pablo continúan guiando a muchos a Cristo.
San Pablo era un hombre educado. San Francisco se crió en una familia rica y educada. Llevaba una vida sin preocupaciones, disfrutaba de amigos, fiestas y tenía poco de qué preocuparse. Quería ser caballero. Francisco fue capturado en su primera campaña como soldado de caballería, fue encarcelado y se enfermó. Estuvo cautivo durante un año y leía sobre la vida de los santos.
Cuando Francis volvió a casa no era la misma persona. Su espíritu estaba turbado. Las cosas que antes disfrutaba simplemente no lo hacían feliz como solían hacerlo. Tomó tiempo para orar y escuchó a Cristo pedirle reconstruir Su Iglesia.
San Francisco no tuvo una vida fácil una vez que eligió seguir a su Padre Celestial. Cometió errores, enfrentó muchos desafíos y logró mucho en su propio “pequeño” viaje para aprender el Camino de Jesús. Hizo cambios en la forma en que lidió con los eventos de la vida. Oraba y ayunaba mientras estaba al servicio de los demás. Francisco vivió su vida haciendo lo que Dios le pidió hacer; vivir el Evangelio momento a momento, día tras día.
En el Evangelio, Marta quería que Jesús dirigiera a María a ayudar con el servicio. Jesús no lo hizo, diciéndole que María había escogido la mejor parte. Le dijo a Martha que estaba ansiosa y preocupada por muchas cosas.
Me ha dicho mi director espiritual, un sacerdote y un diácono y algunos otros también, que yo también he estado preocupada y ansiosa por cosas que no puedo controlar, o situaciones que he escogido. Necesito acordarme de pasar mi día un momento a la vez, sin hacer suposiciones ni preocuparme por el resultado de ninguna situación.
Francisco oraba esta oración con frecuencia ante el Crucifijo donde escuchaba a Dios hablarle durante su discernimiento y ministerio. En ella encuentro mucho consuelo; les invito a rezarla conmigo.
“Dios altísimo y glorioso, ilumina las tinieblas de mi corazón y dame, Señor, una fe recta, una esperanza cierta, una caridad perfecta, sentido y conocimiento, para que pueda cumplir Tu santo y verdadero mandato.” Amén.
Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.
Feature Image Credit: pixabay.com/photos/umbria-assisi-basilica-st-francis-3662398/
Founder of the Franciscan Order, born at Assisi in Umbria, in 1181.
In 1182, Pietro Bernardone returned from a trip to France to find out his wife had given birth to a son. Far from being excited or apologetic because he’d been gone, Pietro was furious because she’d had his new son baptized Giovanni after John the Baptist. The last thing Pietro wanted in his son was a man of God — he wanted a man of business, a cloth merchant like he was, and he especially wanted a son who would reflect his …
Most High, Glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of our minds.
Give us a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity,
so that we may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen.
Have you ever broken a promise? Of course you have. I think if we all think about it and are honest with ourselves, we have all probably broken a promise we made at one point or another. You have probably seen the aftermath of what happened when that promise was broken; People got hurt, trust was shattered, relationships were affected. I know when I have broken a promise I immediately feel guilt. I think this guilt comes because we all know deep down in our bones that promises are not meant to be broken.
This brings us to our First Reading for today where we hear that the Galatians have been quick to forsake Paul and Christ for the sake of another gospel. They came to learn about Christ through Paul’s teachings and gave their hearts over to him, until another gospel popped up that seemed more alluring. Take a moment to think about this for a second. Jesus had recently died for their sins. There may have even been people present who were alive when it happened. They were there at the beginning of Christianity. They had been told about the promise of eternal life through this Jesus of Nazareth who died and actually rose from the dead. And then, a different gospel comes along and they are quick to dismiss what Jesus did for them.
It is probably easy to look at the Galatians and wonder how they could do all this, but this wasn’t a new phenomenon. Since the beginning of time God has been making promises with his people and we have been breaking those promises. But no matter what, God remains faithful. We call these promises covenants and there are many throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the New Covenant in Christ. Today in the Responsorial Psalm, we read that the Lord will remember his covenant forever and the Catechism tells us, “God chose Abraham and made a covenant with him and his descendants. By the covenant God formed his people and revealed his law to them through Moses. Through the prophets, he prepared them to accept the salvation destined for all humanity. God has revealed himself fully by sending his own Son, in whom he has established his covenant forever.” (CCC 72-73)
God remembers the covenant he made with Abraham. He remembers the covenant he made with Noah and with Moses. He remembers the covenant he made on the cross, the covenant he made for us. God is always faithful to his covenant. The question is, are we faithful to him? Let’s take some time today to thank God for what he did for us on the cross and ask for the grace to remain faithful to his covenant of love forever.
From all of us here at Diocesan, God bless!
¿Alguna vez has roto una promesa? Seguro que sí. Creo que si todos lo pensamos y somos honestos con nosotros mismos, probablemente todos hayamos roto una promesa que hicimos en un momento u otro. Probablemente hayas visto las consecuencias de lo que sucedió cuando se rompió esa promesa; las personas resultaron heridas, la confianza se rompió, las relaciones se vieron afectadas. Sé que cuando he roto una promesa me siento culpable inmediatamente. Creo que esta culpa viene porque todos sabemos en el fondo de nuestros huesos que las promesas no están hechas para romperse.
Esto nos lleva a nuestra primera lectura de hoy, donde escuchamos que los gálatas facilmente abandonar a Pablo y Cristo por otro evangelio. Llegaron a aprender acerca de Cristo a través de las enseñanzas de Pablo y le entregaron su corazón, hasta que apareció otro evangelio que parecía más atractivo. Tómese un momento para pensar en esto por un segundo. Jesús había muerto recientemente por sus pecados. Incluso puede haber personas presentes que estaban vivas cuando sucedió. Estaban allí al comienzo del cristianismo. Se les había dicho acerca de la promesa de la vida eterna a través de este Jesús de Nazaret que murió y resucitó de entre los muertos. Y luego, aparece un evangelio diferente y rápidamente descartan lo que Jesús hizo por ellos.
Probablemente sea fácil mirar a los gálatas y preguntarse cómo pudieron hacer todo esto, pero este no era un fenómeno nuevo. Desde el principio de los tiempos, Dios ha estado haciendo promesas con su pueblo y nosotros hemos estado rompiendo esas promesas. Pero pase lo que pase, Dios permanece fiel. A estas promesas las llamamos pactos y hay muchas a lo largo del Antiguo Testamento, que culminan en la Nueva Alianza en Cristo. Hoy en el Salmo Responsorial leemos que el Señor recordará para siempre su alianza y el Catecismo nos dice: “Dios eligió a Abraham y selló una alianza con él y su descendencia. Dios eligió a Abraham y selló una alianza con él y su descendencia. De él formó a su pueblo, al que reveló su ley por medio de Moisés. Lo preparó por los profetas para acoger la salvación destinada a toda la humanidad. Dios se ha revelado plenamente enviando a su propio Hijo, en quien ha establecido su alianza para siempre.” (CIC 72-73)
Dios recuerda la alianza que hizo con Abraham. Recuerda la alianza que hizo con Noé y con Moisés. Recuerda la alianza que hizo en la cruz, la alianza que hizo por nosotros. Dios es siempre fiel a su alianza . La pregunta es, ¿le somos fieles? Tomemos un tiempo hoy para agradecer a Dios por lo que hizo por nosotros en la cruz y pidamos la gracia de permanecer fieles a la alianza de amor para siempre.
De parte de todos nosotros aquí en Diocesan, ¡Dios los bendiga!
Tommy Shultz is a Business Development Representative for Diocesan. In this role he is committed to bringing the best software to dioceses and parishes while helping them evangelize on the digital continent. Tommy has worked in various diocese and parish roles since his graduation from Franciscan University with a Theology degree. He hopes to use his skills in evangelization, marketing, and communications, to serve the Church and bring the Good News to all. His favorite quote comes from St. John Paul II, who said, “A person is an entity of a sort to which the only proper and adequate way to relate is love.”
Feature Image Credit: Alise Storsul, unsplash.com/photos/EWqwxi9He04
Martyred Northumbrian brothers, one called “the Fair” and one called “the Dark”, companions of St. Willibrord. From Northumbria, they were educated in Ireland. These priests of the Benedictine Order went with Willibrord to Frisia, Netherlands. They were martyred together at Aplerbeke, near Dortmund, Germany, by local pagans.
Remember, O most chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession was left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power, I fly unto you, and beg your protection. Despise not, O foster-father of the Redeemer, my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.