Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Memorial

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (also known as Aluigi Gonzaga; Luigi Gonzaga) was born in 1568 A.D. at the castle of Castiglione, Italy. His family was of nobility, and Aloysius' father was a compulsive gambler. He was the cousin of Saint Rudolph Acquaviva.

Aloysius had been trained to be a soldier and courtier from the age of four. He suffered from kidney disease, which he considered a blessing as it left him bed-ridden with time for prayer. While still a boy himself, he taught catechism to poor boys. He received his first Communion from Saint Charles Borromeo.

- Read more at: http://faithofthefatherssaints.blogspot.com/2012/06/saint-aloysius-gonzaga.html#sthash.6Uo2tTdK.dpuf

Better Late Than Never....I Suppose

Yesterday was not a productive day for me, blog wise.

The state is installing guard rails along the highway near where I live, and the local phone company had marked for them where the phone lines are buried.

Apparently they either didn't pay any attention or didn't care. They cut the phone lines, and there was no telephone nor internet service for the several thousand residents of my area.

So, the posts for The Pope and Church News, Daily Catholic Mass Readings, and Saint Quote of the Day, just got posted.

I hate that this happened, but it was out of my control. I especially like to always post the Mass Readings the night before if possible.

So please excuse the delay.

Oh, and I am still in need of your prayers for my personal situation.

Thank you, and God Bless you all!

Read Posts About Saint John Bosco

There are many saints that we all especially like and love. And one of those of many for this blog, is Saint John Bosco.

So, here are the main posts that we have for Saint John Bosco, and since January 31 is his Memorial, I thought it a good idea to point those out to you.

First, is the quote for “Saint Quote of the Day”, which can be read here.

Back in 2007, there was a post by former contributor Marie, a biography of this great saint on our blog “Saints of the Faith” which you may read here.

Marie also wrote the other two posts which I will link to here. Both were posted on “Approved Apparitions”. The first is “The Prophecies of St. John Bosco”, and the second is “St. John Bosco's Dog... or Angel?”

I hope you enjoy these, and I hope they encourage you to visit other topics on Faith of the Fathers blogs.

May God bless you all!

Catholic Truth from Saint Augustine of Hippo

Blog Posts For Monday, September 9, 2013

Catholic Mass Readings For Monday, September 09, 2013 - See more at: http://faithofthefathersreadings.blogspot.com/#sthash.KgWAUdIi.dpuf

Saint Quote: Saint Peter Claver - See more at: http://faithofthefatherssaintquote.blogspot.com/2013/09/saint-quote-saint-peter-claver.html

Pope Francis thinking about declaring Pius XII a saint :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

The following excerpts are from Catholic News Agency((CNA/EWTN News):

• Pope Francis is considering whether he will make Pope Pius XII a saint, in the same way that he approved the cause of John XXIII.
• A source who works at the Vatican’s Congregation for Causes of Saints, who asked for anonymity, told CNA July 25 that “just as Pope Francis moved ahead with John XXIII’s canonization, he is considering the same thing for Pius XII.”
• According to the normal procedures, Pius XII would be beatified once a miracle attributed to his intercession is officially certified by a team of doctors and recognized by a commission of cardinals.
• But if Pope Francis decides to go ahead without a miracle, he could “even canonize him with the formula of scientia certa (certainty in knowledge), thereby jumping over the step of beatification,” the source said.
• “Only the Pope is able to do it, and he will, if he wants to.”
• Pope Francis is very interested in Pius XII because “he considers him ‘a great,’ in the same way as John XXIII is, even if for different reasons,” the source explained.
• But there is also a historical reason that Pope Francis is interested in Pius XII.

Read more by clicking below:

Pope Francis thinking about declaring Pius XII a saint :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

New Guest Post On "Saints of the Faith" Blog

I am very fortunate to be able to tell you that we have a very good guest on our "Saints of the Faith".

The post is "Blessed John Henry Newman, A Great Teacher and Catechist" by Father Juan R. Vélez. Be sure to give it a read and leave a comment if you'd like.

Father Juan R. Vélez, is the author of "Passion for Truth, The Life of John Henry Newman". Father Vélez is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei who resides in San Francisco. He holds a doctorate in dogmatic theology from the University of Navarre. His doctoral thesis was on John Henry Newman’s Eschatology.

His interest in the life and works of Cardinal Newman began with his doctoral studies under Prof. José Morales, author of John Henry Newman (1801-1890).

Fr. Vélez has a medical degree, also from the University of Navarre, and was previously board certified in internal medicine.

Biography of John Henry Newman

In this video Father Juan R. Velez author of "Passion for Truth: The Life of John Henry Newman" speaks about his biography of Blessed John Cardinal Henry Newman.

Passion for Truth The Life of John Henry Newman by Fr. Juan Velez

Top All Time Posts For Faith of the Fathers Blogs

I was looking at the stats for some of the Faith of the Fathers blogs, and it occurred to me that I had never looked at the "all time" top posts of the blogs.

So, I decided to share here what the Google Stats says are the top posts for all time, and thought that some of you might want to read some of those posts.

So here they are in no particular order:

Faith of the Fathers: The Digital Catholic Bible

Apologetics: Why Don't Catholics Read The Bible

Saint Quote of the Day: Saint Quote : Saint Anthony of Padua

Daily Mass Readings: Daily Mass Readings for Sunday, January 01, 2012

No Walls: The Beatitudes

Pope Benedict XVI: News Vatican Information Service 09/10-12/2011

Church Under Attack: Gospel of Judas

The Early Church Fathers: Saint Jerome: Early Church Father and Doctor of the Church

Favorite Prayers And Scripture: Prayers Before And After Reading Holy Scripture

Our Lady: Mary's Way Of The Cross - Fifteenth Station: Jesus is Raised from the Dead

Saints of the Faith: Sister Josefa Menendez-Victim Soul

Spirituality and Mysticism: Mystical Suffering of The Victim Soul

Busy Mom's Notebook: Shepherds Pie With Mushroom (Yes, we have recipes)

Prayer Requests: Prayer Request for Fallen Away Catholics

Approved Apparitions: Our Lady of Kibeho

Spiritual Warfare: The Seven Deadly Sins-ENVY

Bible Stories (one of our Kid's Corner blogs): The Story of Gideon

So, give them a read if you have the time. I hope you find them enjoyable and informative.

Copyright © 2005-2012 Steve Smith. All Rights Reserved.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Nine

Today is the eighth and final day of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 9 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

(State your intention here.)

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

Amen

Most holy mother of the Virgin Mary, glorious Saint Anne, I, a miserable sinner, confiding in your kindness, choose you today as my special advocate. I offer all my interests to your care and maternal solicitude. O my very good mother and advocate, deign to accept me and to adopt me as your child.

O glorious Saint Anne, I beg you, by the passion of my most loving Jesus, the Son of Mary, your most holy daughter, to assist me in all the necessities both of my body and my soul. Venerable Mother, I beg you to obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena…

(State your intention here.)

…and the grace of leading a life perfectly conformable in all things to the Divine Will. I place my soul in your hands and in those of your kind daughter. I ask for your favor in order that, appearing under your patronage before the Supreme Judge, He may find me worthy of enjoying His Divine Presence in your holy companionship in Heaven.

Amen.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Eight

Today is day eight of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 8 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

(State your intention here.)

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

Amen

Remember, O Saint Anne, you whose name signifies grace and mercy, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, and sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, good, and kind mother; I take refuge at your feet, burdened with the weight of my sins. O holy mother of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, despise not my petition…

(State your intention here.)

…but hear me and grant my prayer.

Amen.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Seven

Today is day seven of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 7 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

 

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

 

(State your intention here.)

 

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

 

Amen

 

O Good Saint Anne, so justly called the mother of the infirm, the cure for those who suffer from disease, look kindly upon the sick for whom I pray. 

 

Alleviate their sufferings; cause them to sanctify their sufferings by patience and complete submission to the Divine Will; finally deign to obtain health for them and with it the firm resolution to honor Jesus, Mary, and yourself by the faithful performance of duties. 

 

But, merciful Saint Anne, I ask you above all for the salvation of my soul, rather than bodily health, for I am convinced that this fleeting life is given us solely to assure us a better one. I cannot obtain that better life without the help of God's graces. I earnestly beg them of you for the sick and for myself, especially the petition for which I am making in this novena...

 

(State your intention here.)

 

...through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of His Immaculate Mother, and through your efficacious and powerful mediation, I pray.

 

Amen.

 

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

 

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

 

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Amen.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day Two

Today is day two of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 2 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

(State your intention here.)

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

Amen

Glorious Saint Anne, how can you be otherwise than overflowing with tenderness toward sinners like myself, since you are the grandmother of Him who shed His blood for us, and the mother of her whom the saints call advocate of sinners? To you, therefore, I address my prayers with confidence.

Vouchsafe to commend me to Jesus and Mary so that, at your request, I may be granted remission of my sins, perseverance, the love of God, charity for all mankind, and the special grace of...

(State your intention here.)

...for which I stand in need at the present time. O most powerful protectress, let me not lose my soul, but pray for me that through the merits of Jesus Christ and the intercession of Mary, I may have the great happiness of seeing them, of loving and praising them with you through all eternity. 

Amen.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Amen.

Saint Anne Novena -- Day One

Today is day one of the Saint Anne Novena. You may join with us, and the thousands of other faithful from around the world in praying this novena at Pray More Novena's. You can go here to see the prayer intentions of those joining in praying this novena.

Saint Anne is the mother of Our Lady and grandmother of Jesus, and she is a very powerful intercessor.

Below is the prayer for today:

Day 1 - Saint Anne Novena Prayers

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...

(State your intention here.)

Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praising Him through all eternity.

Amen

Great Saint Anne, engrave indelibly on my heart and in my mind the words that have reclaimed and sanctified so many sinners:

"What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world if he lose his own soul?" May this be the principle fruit of these prayers by which I will strive to honor you during this novena.

At your feet renew my resolution to invoke you daily, not only for the success of my temporal affairs and to be preserved from sickness and suffering, but above all, that I may be preserved from all sin, that I may gain eternal salvation and that I will receive the special grace of...

(State your intention here.)

O most powerful Saint Anne, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of heaven, there with you, your blessed spouse, and your glorious daughter, to sing the praise of the Most Holy and Adorable Trinity forever and ever.

Amen.

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be to the Father...

Pray for us, Saint Anne!

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Amen.

A New Book On The Life of Cardinal John Henry Newman

Tan Books will soon be releasing a new book on the life of Cardinal John Henry Newman entitled, “Passion for Truth: The Life of John Henry Newman”.

This biography of John Henry Newman is written by Father Juan R. Vélez, a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei who resides in San Francisco, California. Father Vélez received a doctorate in dogmatic theology from the University of Navarre, where he completed his doctoral thesis on John Henry Newman. Before his ordination to the priesthood, Father Vélez also received a medical degree from the University of Navarre, and he was previously board certified in internal medicine.

Father Vélez's interest in the life of Cardinal John Henry Newman began with his doctoral studies under Professor José Morales. Father Vélez is author of a number of academic articles on Cardinal Newman, and co-edited a short anthology of texts entitled “Take Five, Meditations on John Henry Newman”.

Below is a portion of the information about this book from Tan Books website:

"In Passion for Truth, author and scholar Fr. Juan R. Vélez painstakingly uncovers the life and work of Blessed John Henry Newman. In the story of his early years, his family upbringing and university education, and through his vast correspondence with family, friends, and colleagues, Vélez acquaints us with Newman, the loyal friend, profound thinker, prolific writer, and holy priest. A true Catholic gentleman, who can be admired and loved by all who love the Truth."

The publication date for “Passion for Truth The Life of John Henry Newman” By: Fr. Juan R. Vélez is March 2012, and the book can be pre-ordered from Tan Books by clicking here.

You may also want to visit the website for the book by clicking here.

Novena To Saint John Bosco -- Day 9

Today is day 9 of the Novena to Saint John Bosco, the patron of youth.

Pray with us and other Catholics from around the world as we join Pray More Novena's in this novena to Saint John Bosco.

Novena To Saint John Bosco -- Day Five

Today is day 5 of the Novena to Saint John Bosco, the patron of youth.

Pray with us and other Catholics from around the world as we join Pray More Novena's in this novena to Saint John Bosco.

Blessed Chiara “Luce” Badano (1971-1990)

Read this wonderful story about this young lady. An excerpt follows:

• Pope Benedict XVI beatified Chiara “Luce” Badano on Sept. 25, 2010, just 20 years after her death. That should not surprise us, for she modeled a joyful, down-to-earth holiness much like that of Blessed Pier-Giorgio Frassati, another young saint.

Please click the link below to read the entire article:

Blessed Chiara “Luce” Badano (1971-1990)

The National Shrine of Saint Jude

As most of you know from following this blog, today is day nine of our novena to Saint Jude, my patron saint.

Some may not be aware however, that there is The National Shrine of Saint Jude in Chicago, Illinois. The National Shrine of Saint Jude was founded in 1929 by the Claretian Missionaries. The Shrine along with the Saint Jude League has the purpose of bringing together devotees to Saint Jude.

You can visit the website of The National Shrine of Saint Jude by clicking here. You can also post a prayer petition at the Shrine by clicking here or by posting it on The National Shrine of Saint Jude Facebook page by clicking here.

Thank you Saint Jude for prayers answered.

Day 8 -- Saint Jude Novena

Today is the 8th day of the Novena to Saint Jude.

Please go to "Pray More Novenas" where you can get the daily prayers for this novena as well as find the intentions of others praying this novena with us.