Please Note


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Monday, December 30, 2013

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For January 2014


Vatican City, 30 December 2013 (VIS) - The Pope's universal prayer intention for January 2014 is "that all may promote authentic economic development that respects the dignity of all peoples".

His prayer intention for evangelization is "that Christians of diverse denominations may walk toward the unity desired by Christ".


You can find more information at: www.visnews.org
The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Assyrian International News Agency: Christians in Middle East Deserve Better

The following excerpts are from Assyrian International News Agency (AINA.org):

  • Since the so-called "Arab Spring," there has been a new Middle East Christian leadership that has emerged with policies that are more coherent, intellectual, and courageous in challenging the status quo and bringing into the open the plight of the Middle East Christians in their countries. This positive leadership has brought their various denominations together and has given new confidence to the local Christians in their countries because they all face similar challenges.
  • The plight of the Middle East Christians has also brought The Vatican and Arab and Muslim leaders to the understanding that emptying the Middle East of Christians and the rise of religious fundamentalism does not bode well for their governments or religion, and have initiated national and international conferences in the Middle East and abroad.
  • Even westernized Muslim leaders, such as Baroness Sayeeda Warsi (the British government minister for faith and the first Muslim member of British cabinet), called on western governments to do more to protect besieged Christian minorities across the world, particularly in the Holy Land where they are now seen as outsiders.....
  • However, European and American leaders seem to have reversed roles regarding the preservation of Middle East Christianity, Christians, their rights, and their existence. While President Vladimir Putin is publicly demanding the safeguard of Syrian and Middle East Christians, the American government is seen as doing the opposite by cooperating with politically-religious-minded political groups, such as in Egypt, the Syrian opposition, or by turning a blind eye to Iraqi Christians' dilemma after invading Iraq.
  • Pope Francis, like his predecessors, has been eloquent and outspoken regarding the Middle East Christians. Unfortunately, his message has been dimmed by the western press, who has been more interested in his "liberal" view than in his efforts to preserve the Middle East Christians....



Read more by clicking below:
Assyrian International News Agency: Christians in Middle East Deserve Better

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas!



Thursday, December 19, 2013

Still Have Time To Get Mystic Monk Coffee


There is still time to get Mystic Monk Coffee in time for Christmas!

For the next few days, from now until 12pm Thursday 19th (Mountain Time), they will have $5 Third Day express shipping on all orders over $50 (retail orders in the US only, excluding Alaska and Hawaii). They will also have $9 Two Day Express shipping until 12pm Friday 20th (Mountain Time).

If you place your order before 12pm Thursday, and choose the Third Day Shipping, or before 12pm Friday and choose Two Day Shipping, it will arrive by Christmas.


And don't forget to enter JINGLE20 when you place your order for $20 or more to get a 6oz. bag of Jingle Bell Java!

Monday, December 09, 2013

From The Dignitatis Humanae Institute: "When Doctors Get it Wrong: The Tragedy of Aborting Healthy Babies"

Note:The following is a press release from The Dignitatis Humanae Institute



Rome, 9 December 2013

Shocking revelations from Britain of a mother giving birth to a perfectly healthy girl - after being advised by doctors to abort what they wrongly diagnosed to be a brain damaged baby, has called into question the quality and competence of medical counselling offered to pregnant mothers.

Speaking from his office in Rome, veteran Italian politician Luca Volontè, Honorary President of the European People's Party in the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly and Dignitatis Humanae Institute Chairman, stated:

"This situation is tragic but sadly not surprising. In what must be a time of terrible anguish for the parents, all efforts must be made to offer extensive information and a variety of opinions - such neutral advice does not exist in Britain, nor in many other European countries. Companies such as Marie Stopes International are referred to for counselling directly by the NHS, while other genuinely independent organisations such as disability groups - those without a financial interest in selling abortions - are prevented from doing so.

"This particular case also demonstrates the subjective reasoning being made by medical staff on what constitutes 'life worthy of living' - a value judgement that many patients will often believe to be infallible , but as this case shows, patients should not be afraid to assert their autonomy on the best course of action."

Liane and Ian Stooke from Bristol were told by doctors their baby would suffer from severe brain damage and have little to no ability of recognition, communication or movement. Liane was already 30 weeks pregnant - beyond the normal limit for abortion - when doctors pushed for termination, stating her baby would not enjoy a meaningful life. "The doctor said it wasn't too late if we wanted to abort the baby - he made it sound almost as if there was no other option," said Mrs Stooke. Thankfully for baby Miley, Ian and Liane chose to defy such encouragements and proceed with the pregnancy, only to discover their daughter was perfectly healthy and suffered from none of the afflictions predicted by doctors.

Luca Volontè concluded:

"Evidently the support structure in place for parents in this position is not fit for purpose. How many times has this occurred? Why aren't such figures even recorded? Sadly, in 2011, the British Parliament rejected proposals from Nadine Dorries MP to increase the range of opinion and expertise available to pregnant mothers for counselling. I can only offer sympathy to all would-be parents across the world, who having aborted their own child under similar advice, now have to live with the doubt of what might have been, the doubt that they entirely unnecessarily terminated their longed-for son or daughter."




The Dignitatis Humanae Instituteaims to uphold human dignity based on the anthropological truth that man is born in the image and likeness of God and therefore has an innate human dignity of infinite worth to be upheld. The Institute promotes this understanding by supporting Christians in public life, assisting them to present effective and coherent responses to increasing efforts to silence the Christian voice in the public square.


Thursday, December 05, 2013

I Am In Need of Your Prayers


Well, today turned out not to be such a good day. I went to work planning on working my 2-10 shift. I went and got my tray ready, snd took it up front so the cashier who was working couid close out her shift and go home.

I had actually gotten there earlier than usual, when I saw the pike of letters for the road sign. The boss had wanted the sign changed when the stock person came in at 4. Since it looked like rain, I decided to go ahead and change the sign before the rain arrived.

Anyway, I had finished changing the sign, and was getting ready to come down off the next to the top rung on the step ladder, when the ladder started falling to the right, tangling my feet in it, and I hit the ground with a solid “thud”.

I twisted my back in the fall, and according to the x-rays, managed to pull the muscles in the lumbar region of my back.

I have known people who hurt their backs before, but I had no idea pulling the muscles in your back could hurt to the point that it makes you dizzy and nauseated. No, I didn't hit my head. If I had hit my head with this old hard head, I wouldn't have gotten hurt. (I said it before anyone else could, so there!)

I will have to be out of work through Monday, when I go back to the doctor. My employer's workmen's comp is taking care of the doctor, emergency, and med needs.

I won't get paid for the day's out (there is no disability insurance), and I can't afford to miss, but have no choice.

So I would greatly appreciate your prayers at this time. Also, I won't be posting to the “Daily Catholic Mass Readings”, “The Pope And Church News”, or “Saint Quote of the Day” blogs for the next couple of days at least. I typed this before taking the pain killers and muscle relaxant's.


Thank you, and God Bless you all!

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Pope Francis' Appeal For Nuns Kidnapped From The Santa Tecla Monastery, Syria


Vatican City, 4 December 2013 (VIS) – After today's catechesis, the Pope appealed to all present to pray for the nuns of the Greek Orthodox monastery of Santa Tecla and the Christian people of Maaloula, Syria, forcibly abducted by armed men two days ago and whose whereabouts are now unknown.

Let us pray for these nuns, for these sisters”, he asked, “and for all those who have been kidnapped as a result of the current conflict. Let us continue to pray and act for peace together. Let us pray to the Virgin”.


You can find more information at: www.visnews.org
The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For December 2013



Vatican City, 29 November 2013 (VIS) – Pope Francis' general prayer intention for December is: "That children who are victims of abandonment or violence may find the love and protection they need".

His mission intention is: "That Christians, enlightened by the Word incarnate, may prepare humanity for the Saviour's coming".


You can find more information at: www.visnews.org
The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Monk Sale!


OK. So monks aren't really on sale. Never have been. They do however have some Thanksgiving specials!

Just a quick post to tell you that Mystic Monk Coffee has some of their signature drinkware on sale until Thanksgiving at 30-50% off their regular prices.

For instance, save 50% on the traditional Rustic Double Handled Mug (like the one pictured at the top of this post), a hand crafted mug which regularly sells for $6.98 but is available for $3.49 until Thanksgiving.

They also have additional drinkware on sale such as their Ergonomic Travel Mug. Save 40% on this mug on sale at 40% off. Regularly $13.99, now on sale for $8.39.

Also, for your sweet tooth, they have their Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Malt Balls on sale. Regularly $6.99, now just $4.89 until Thanksgiving. A 30% savings!


Be sure to visit Mystic Monk Coffee for all your coffee and tea needs. Your purchase of Mystic Monk Coffee helps support the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming, and helps me out, too!

Friday, November 22, 2013

That Time Of The Year...


It's that time of year again. It seems like the holidays get here faster and faster every year. My mom and dad both used to say how fast time goes by as you get older. They didn't even tell the half of it. It's actually faster than fast!

Already my employer has started cutting hours at work, and it is not a good time of the year for hours to get cut. Many of you know what I am talking about. Not just because of the holidays, but also with colder weather, and with winter soon starting in earnest, this is the time of the year when my expenses...and yours as well I am sure...tend to rise. A 30 hour work week just doesn't cut it.


So if you are thinking about buying some coffee, I'd appreciate it if you would click on my links (like the ones that follow) for Mystic Monk Coffee, and buy some coffee for yourself or for holiday gifts. Don't forget that they also have 5 pound bags available for your parish and office! It not only helps me out, but it helps support both the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming and their monastery. (Unfortunately, there is no commission for wholesale purchases, but there is for coffee subscriptions, tea subscriptions, etc.)


I'd also like to ask you to consider taking a look at the products I have available from Zazzle at "Faith of the Fathers Catholic Gifts". There are several poster prints, mousepads, mugs, and greeting cards available and all with a Catholic theme. New this year are some holiday poster prints and cards featuring wonderful art by James Tissot.

I'd like to thank all of you who have used my links to shop and buy, and for making donations via PayPal. I don't know who you all are, but God does, and I especially ask His blessings for you (as well as I do for all my blog visitors) in my prayers.


Thank you once again. May God Bless you and Our Lady keep you in Her care!




Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Warmer Rome-Moscow relations produce new talk of Pope- Patriarch 'summit meeting' : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

  • Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill expressed high hopes for the future of relations between Moscow and Rome after a November 12 meeting with Milan’s Cardinal Angelo Scola.
  • The Russian primate expressed his admiration for Pope Francis, and said that “never before have our churches had so many things in common.” He looked forward to a time when ‘our historical disagreements cease to play a critical role.”
  • In Rome, meanwhile, after meeting with Pope Francis, Metropolitan Hilarion, the top ecumenical officer of the Moscow Patriarchate disclosed that negotiations have begun to arrange a meeting between the Pope and Patriarch Kirill “in a neutral country.”

Read more by clicking below:
Warmer Rome-Moscow relations produce new talk of Pope- Patriarch 'summit meeting' : News Headlines - Catholic Culture


Monday, November 11, 2013

Cardinal assures traditionalists of Pope’s support for Extraordinary Form : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

  • The former prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy has told a traditionalist group that Pope Francis has no intention of restricting access to the Extraordinary Form of the Latin liturgy.
  • “I met Pope Francis very recently and he told me that he has no problem with the old rite, and neither does he have any problem with lay groups and associations like yours that promote it,” Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos told members of Una Voce International (FIUV), who were in Rome for a general assembly.


Read more by clicking below:
Cardinal assures traditionalists of Pope’s support for Extraordinary Form : News Headlines - Catholic Culture


Saturday, November 09, 2013

Confirmed: Putin to meet with Pope Francis : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

  • The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month.
  • The meeting will take place on November 25, although details are not yet in place and an exact time has not been set.


Read more by clicking below:
Confirmed: Putin to meet with Pope Francis : News Headlines - Catholic Culture


Monday, November 04, 2013

Largest massacre of Christians in Syrian conflict : News Headlines - Catholic Culture

The following excerpts are from CatholicCulture's Catholic World News:
  • Rebel forces massacred 45 Christians in the west-central Syrian town of Sadad, according to Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Selwanos Boutros Alnemeh.
  • Islamist rebels entered the town on October 21; a week later, it was captured by government forces.
  • “What happened in Sadad is the most serious and biggest massacre of Christians in Syria in the past two years and a half,” said the prelate, according to the Fides news service. “45 innocent civilians were martyred for no reason, and among them several women and children, many thrown into mass graves. Other civilians were threatened and terrorized. 30 were wounded and 10 are still missing.”
Read more by clicking below:

Friday, November 01, 2013

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For November 2013

Pope Francis

Vatican City, 31 October 2013 (VIS) – Pope Francis' prayer intention for November is: “That priests who experience difficulties may find comfort in their suffering, support in their doubts, and confirmation in their fidelity”.


His mission intention is: “That as fruit of the continental mission, Latin American Churches may send missionaries to other Churches”.


You can find more information at: www.visnews.org
The news items contained in the Vatican Information Service may be used, in part or in their entirety, by quoting the source:
V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service.

Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Catholic News Herald - Former Lutheran pastor converts to Catholicism - Catholic News from around the country and world

The following excerpts are from the Catholic News Herald of Charlotte, N.C. by reporter SueAnn Howell:

HENDERSONVILLE — Dr. Paul Cates is proof that you are never too old to follow your heart and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Cates, now in his 70s, is a doctor and former Lutheran pastor who is an avid reader and researcher. He and his son, Dr. Kirk Cates, are in practice together, working with patients who suffer from attention deficit disorder and learning disabilities.

Cates has also been active in homeschooling initiatives for more than 35 years and runs Faith Christian Ministries, where he is known as "homeschool's education doctor."
He will be the first to tell you that he's not one to shrug off the truth when it stares you in the face.

"I have been a pastor for 50-plus years. I have always believed in the Eucharist, that it is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ," Cates said. "I have always preached that and celebrated it as such."

Read more by clicking below:

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Yes, Virginia, I Do Have A Blog Roll


Some long time readers and followers of "Faith of the Fathers Blogs" are probably familiar with the items in our sidebars. However, many who only read the blog posts with a feed/news reader or a mobile device (such as an iPhone) never see the sidebar items (which is why you should visit us with a computer occasionally) at all.

In particular, I want to call your attention to the sidebar item (on the right hand side bar) "MY FAVORITE BLOGS (LISTED BY MOST RECENT POST)". This is more or less a blog roll, where I link to some good, solid Catholic blogs and bloggers that you may not be aware of, and would find good reading (when your not here, that is) and good information as well.

The two newest additions are the Catholic apologist Tim Staples, and his blog, appropriately entitled, "Tim Staples", and Father Tim Finigan's blog, "The hermeneutic of continuity". Both are well worth the time to read, as are all the blogs listed there quite frankly..

There are also a lot of well known blogs and bloggers listed here as well as some well known Catholics whom you may not have been aware of as also having blogs.

These include Timothy Cardinal Dolan's "The Gospel In The Digital Age"; Father Robert Barron's "Word On Fire"; Father John Zuhlsdorf's "Fr. Z's Blog" (formerly called "What Does the Prayer Really Say?"); Priests for Life's "Father Frank Pavone's Blog"; Father Juan Velez's (author of "Passion For Truth: The Life of John Henry Newman) blog "Cardinal John Henry Newman"; Jimmy Akin's blog, “Jimmy Akin”; Sofia Guerra's “Always Catholic”; Lisa Graas' “Catholic Bandita”; Taylor Marshall's “Taylor Marshall”; and more than I have time to post about here.


As I said, all have great posts, not just the ones I mentioned here, but all of them that are in "MY FAVORITE BLOGS (LISTED BY MOST RECENT POST)" on the right hand sidebar. Give their stats a boost and visit them all. You won't regret it!

Monday, October 14, 2013

Starting Sunday, October 20 On Favorite Prayers and Scripture Blog


On Sunday, October 20, 2013 I will be praying a Novena To Saint Jude the Apostle, which will end on the feast day of Saint Jude and Saint Simon, on October 28.

Saint Jude is the patron of lost or desperate causes, and several reasons are given for this patronage. Click here to read more on "Favorite Prayers and Scripture".


Saturday, October 12, 2013

Day 9 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Day 8 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Turkish officials may return ancient monastery’s land : News Headlines

The following excerpts are from Catholic Culture's Catholic World News:

  • The Assembly of Foundations, a Turkish governmental body, has approved the return of lands belonging to Mor Gabriel Monastery, a Syriac Orthodox monastery found in 397, the Istanbul-based Hürriyet Daily News reported.

Read more by clicking below:
Turkish officials may return ancient monastery’s land : News Headlines


Thursday, October 10, 2013

Day 7 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Assyrian Christian Leader Welcomes Chaldean Catholic Patriarch's Overture

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

  • Mar Dinkha IV, the head of the Assyrian Church of the East since 1976, has responded positively to an ecumenical overture by Patriarch Louis Raphaël I Sako, the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church since February.
  • The Assyrian Church of the East, now headquartered in Illinois, ceased to be in full communion with the Holy See following the Council of Ephesus in 431. The Chaldean Catholic Church, headquartered in Baghdad, arose in the sixteenth century when some Assyrian bishops sought the restoration of full communion with the Roman Pontiff. Each Eastern church has approximately 400,000 members.

Read more by clicking below:
Assyrian Christian Leader Welcomes Chaldean Catholic Patriarch's Overture

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Coffee....Chocolates....And More Coffee!



I already let readers of this blog know that the Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee (available ground regular, ground decaf, and whole bean regular) is now available for this season from Mystic Monk Coffee. So, the good Carmelite Monks of Wyoming decided not to stop with Pumpkin Spice coffee....nope....they now have some new Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Malt Balls (maybe I should mention that chocolate is my favorite vegetable)!

The Mystic Monk website description of this says:  

"The malt center is enveloped by layers of milk chocolate and creamy pumpkin spice, making one of the best candies you'll ever taste!  We only have a small number of these malts, so make sure you order soon so you don't miss out!"

Also readily available are two popular coffees for this time of year: the Cinnamon Coffee Cake (available ground regular, ground decaf, and whole bean regular), and the Thanksgiving Blend (available ground regular, and whole bean regular) flavored coffees.

The flavored coffees are always very popular, and tend to go very fast, and I expect the Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Malt Balls will be gone quickly as well. So get your orders in while you can, and remember...your order of Mystic Monk Coffee (and tea) helps support the monastery of the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming!


Day 6 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Day 5 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Monday, October 07, 2013

Day 4 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Sunday, October 06, 2013

Day 3 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Saturday, October 05, 2013

Day 2 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Friday, October 04, 2013

Day 1 - Immaculate Heart of Mary Novena


Immaculate Virgin, by the holy will of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Mother in Heaven. Your Immaculate Heart is full of love, mercy and compassion for sinners like me. I ask that you intercede for me today for...

(mention your prayer intentions)

I trust in your intercession before the throne of God for my needs. Please pray also that if my requests are not in accordance with the will of God, that I may be, like you, conformed to His will and not my own.

Hail Mary...

Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pray for us!

Amen.

Act of Consecration by Pope Pius XII

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.

O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.

We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home.

Amen.

Thursday, October 03, 2013

From The Dignitatis Humanae Institute: "False Charity Not To Excommunicate Visibly Pro-Abortion Politicians"

Note: The following is a press release from The Dignitatis Humanae Institute


Rome, 03 October 2013



Commentating on the heated debate on whether Holy Communion should be withheld from Catholic politicians who support abortion or euthanasia legislation, Luca Volontè, a Catholic Italian statesman with 20 years of experience affirmed: "It is simply a falsehood to believe one can readily divorce one's faith from personal involvement in public policy. To do so is to fail both God and one's neighbour, and stand complicit in grave sin. The Church teaches that pro-abortion politicians have already automatically excommunicated themselves ("latae sententiae"). It is therefore an act of false charity not to make this situation publicly manifest, because it deprives the person of receiving the most serious warning that they need to correct their behaviour, thus leading him/her into the erroneous belief that the Church might tacitly support such legislation."

The comments follow an interview from His Eminence Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the highest court position in the Vatican. In the interview with The Wanderer, the Vatican's most senior American spoke of the inability to reconcile pro-abortion Catholic politicians with their worthiness to receive Holy Communion: "it is a contradiction, it is wrong, it is a scandal, and it must stop! We live in a culture with a false sense of dialogue - which has also crept into the Church - where we pretend to dialogue about open and egregious violations of the moral law."

Despite vociferous criticism from the liberal commentariat of this dogmatic approach, Cardinal Burke, who also serves as the President of the Advisory Board of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, simply reiterates Church teaching as found in Canon Law and outlined by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith by the then Cardinal Ratzinger in Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion: General Principles. The memorandum states: "Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person's formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws), his Pastor should meet with him, instructing him about the Church's teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist."

In Ireland, the Catholic priests who have followed the memorandum's directives in response to the recent legislation sanctioning abortion have been met with howls of outrage from culpable Irish politicians who seek to divest themselves of their faith and moral responsibility whilst engaged in politics. Mr Volontè noted, "As Catholics in public office, often faced with the seemingly overwhelming pressure to submit ourselves to the party whip, we should in that moment seek inspiration from St Thomas More, the patron saint of politicians, who demonstrated with his life that God and morality cannot be separated from man and politics; "man is created by God, and therefore human rights have their origin in God, are based upon the design of creation and form part of the plan of redemption. One might even dare to say that the rights of man are also the rights of God." "



The Dignitatis Humanae Institute aims to uphold human dignity based on the anthropological truth that man is born in the image and likeness of God and therefore has an innate human dignity of infinite worth to be upheld. The Institute promotes this understanding by supporting Christians in public life, assisting them to present effective and coherent responses to increasing efforts to silence the Christian voice in the public square.


Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions For October 2013


The Pope's general prayer intention for October is: “That those feeling so crushed by life that they wish to end it may sense the nearness of God's love.”

His mission intention is: “That the celebration of World Mission Day may help all Christians realize that we are not only receivers but proclaimers of God's word.”


Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary


On October 13, Pope Francis is planning a Marian Day celebration at the Vatican and at this event he plans to consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

As such, PrayMoreNovenas.com is organizing a novena as a way to join in unity with the Holy Father and prepare for this event.

So, beginning on October 4, Faith of the Fathers Blogs, and I will be joining more than 63,000 Catholics to pray the Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Won't you join us for this important event? You can sign up to receive email reminders to get the novena prayers here:



Monday, September 23, 2013

The Silence of Our Friends -- the Extinction of Christianity in the Middle East

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:
  • The last month and a half has seen perhaps the worst anti-Christian violence in Egypt in seven centuries, with dozens of churches torched. Yet the western media has mainly focussed on army assaults on the Muslim Brotherhood, and no major political figure has said anything about the sectarian attacks.
  • Last week at the National Liberal Club there was a discussion asking why the American and British press have ignored or under-reported this persecution, and (in some people's minds) given a distorted narrative of what is happening.
  • Among the four speakers was the frighteningly impressive Betsy Hiel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, who has spent years in Egypt and covered Iraq and Afghanistan. There were lots of stories of Muslims protecting Christian neighbours, but there were also incidents with frightening echoes; Hiel described a man riding on his bike past a burned down church and laughing, which brought to my mind the scene in Schindler's List when local Poles make throat-slitting gestures to Jews en route to Auschwitz.
  • Some of this has been reported, but the focus has been on the violence committed against the Brotherhood. Judging by the accounts given by one of the other speakers, Nina Shea of the Center for Religious Freedom, the American press is even more blind, and their government not much better; when Mubarak was overthrown one US agency assessed the Muslim Brotherhood as being 'essentially secular'.
  • The night ended with historian Tom Holland declaring sadly that we are now seeing the extinction of Christianity and other minority faiths in the Middle East. As he pointed out, it's the culmination of the long process that began in the Balkans in the late 19th century, reached its horrific European climax in 1939-1945, and continued with the Greeks of Alexandria, the Mizrahi Jews and most recently the Chaldo-Assyrian Christians of Iraq. The Copts may have the numbers to hold on, Holland said, and the Jews of Israel, but can anyone else?
Read more by clicking below:

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Obama Must Increase Egyptian Pressure to Protect Christians, USCIRF Declares

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

  • President Barack Obama must increase pressure on the Egyptian interim government to protect Christians who have been violently targeted in the past couple of months, urges a letter sent by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Monday.
  • "I respectfully urge you to speak out clearly and forcefully about the unprecedented sectarian attacks committed against Christians in Egypt that proliferated at a frenetic pace on August 14 and the immediate days thereafter," wrote USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George.
  • "It also is vitally important that the Egyptian interim government understands from you that it must promptly and thoroughly investigate violent incidents, prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, and provide greater protections for Christians and their places of worship."
  • While Obama has repeatedly spoken out against the violence in Egypt following the ousting of former President Mohamed Morsi, Coptic Christians have found themselves targeted by Islamic mobs blaming them for taking part in the protests that led to the government change. Muslim Brotherhood-backed attacks on Christians resulted in fatalities, as well as burnt down churches, monasteries, Christian schools and book stores.
  • Both the Islamic protesters and the interim government have been blamed for using excessive force, which has led to thousands of Egyptians losing their lives, leading to a state of emergency in the African country.
  • "We were deeply troubled that leaders and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood tolerated or even encouraged incitement against Christians, and that the interim authorities stood by or were slow to react when attacks occurred," George continues.
  • "The extent and scope of attacks since August 14 have resulted in the sectarian-related killings of at least seven Copts and attacks on more than 130 churches and Christian religious structures, homes, and businesses."
  • The letter to Obama adds that Morsi's leadership, which began in June 2012, had been marked by sectarian rhetoric targeting religious minorities, including Copts and other Christians, Shi'a, Sufis, and Baha'is. It also says that although Muslim Brotherhood leaders have called for peace in official statements, their supporters who have turned to violence have been tolerated and even encouraged at times.

Read more by clicking below:
Obama Must Increase Egyptian Pressure to Protect Christians, USCIRF Declares

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Get Ready For Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Note: It's back! For those of you who love the flavors of pumpkin, spices, and coffee, the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming have ready their Mystic Monk Coffee Pumpkin Spice coffee. A great flavored coffee for fall and those cooler fall mornings!

It's getting to be that time of year when people start looking towards the holidays and begin to think about the flavors and scents of the season. Just in time, the good Carmelite Monks of Wyoming are offering their Mystic Monk Coffee Pumpkin Spice flavored coffee.

The good monks at Mystic Monk Coffee say on their web site:

"Smooth and sweet! The creamy pumpkin flavor melds perfectly with cloves and aromatic spices, finishing with a warming aftertaste that will make even the coldest fall day cozy. It's especially delicious when topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg."

So get yours now while the supply is good. It is available in ground regular, whole bean, and ground decaffeinated. You can also find their other flavored coffees here.