Prayer Request for My Aunt Della Marie Smith Dillingham

I just received word, that the last one of my late father's siblings has passed away.

My Aunt Della Marie Smith Dillingham, was 102 years old. Please pray for her family, and for the repose of her soul.

Thank you!

Mystic Monk Coffee Christmas Offerings for 2019

The good monks from the Carmelite Monastery of Wyoming, are getting all geared up for Christmas this year with their Mystic Monk Coffee! Now available for 2019 is their Christmas Blend, a medium roast coffee that is available in 12 ounce bags (ground or whole bean), and their single-serve pod Monk Shots.

JingleBell Java (with over 400 5 star reviews on their web site) is still their top selling flavored coffee. It is also available in 12 ounce bags (ground, decaf ground, and whole bean) and Monk Shots single-serve pods.

Also available are the Chocolate Covered Caramels and their Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans, along with a red Christmas Double Handled Mug.

Mystic Monk Coffee. Real coffee, roasted and blended by real monks! Your purchases helps to support the Carmelite Monastery of Wyoming.

Some Things I Believe

Let me be clear:

1. I believe in the sanctity of life, from conception unto natural death.

2. I don't support abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, or euthanasia.

3. I believe that marriage is only between one man and one woman.

4. I believe that there are only two genders, male and female, as it has always been, and always will be.

5. I believe that God is the author of all life, and that He alone is in charge of all things, both seen and unseen.

If you choose to believe otherwise in all of the above named, that is solely between you and God.

From Goffine's Devout Instructions: ASH WEDNESDAY

Why is this day so called? 

Because on this day the Catholic Church blesses ashes and puts them on the foreheads of the faithful, saying, “Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Genesis 3:19)

Why are the ashes blessed?

1. That all who receive them with a contrite heart may be preserved in soul and body.
2. That God may give them contrition, and pardon their sins.
3. That he may grant them all they humbly ask for, particularly the grace to do penance, and the reward promised to the truly penitent (Roman Missal).

Why are the faithful sprinkled with ashes?

The sprinkling with ashes was always a public sign of penance; as such, God enjoined it upon the Israelites (Jeremiah 25:34). David sprinkled ashes on his bread (Psalm 101:10). The Ninevites (Jonas 3:16), Judith (Judith 9:1), Mordecai (Esther 4:1), Job (62:6), and others, did penance in sack cloth and ashes.

How should we receive the blessed ashes?

1. According to the intention with which they are blessed and sprinkled upon the heads of the faithful.
2. In humility, remembering and confessing that we are dust and ashes, and that for our sins we shall return to ashes again.
3. To testify before God and man that we are willing to commence the holy season of Lent, and are not ashamed to follow Christ, doing penance publicly, and bearing the ashes on our foreheads. To show the spirit of penance and to move God to mercy, the Church, at the Introit of the Mass, uses the following words (Wisdom 11:24,25): “Thou hast mercy upon all, Lord, and hatest none of the things which thou hast made, overlook ing the sins of men for the sake of repentance, and sparing them, for thou art the Lord our God. Have mercy on me, God, for my soul trusteth in thee.” Glory be to the Father.

Prayer

Grant to thy faithful, O Lord, that they may begin the venerable solemnities of fasting with becoming piety, and perform them with undisturbed devotion, through Christ.

Epistle

(Joel 2:12-19) Thus saith the Lord: Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to repent of the evil. Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive and leave a blessing behind him, sacrifice and libation to the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly Gather together the people, sanctify the church, assemble the ancient, gather together the little ones, and them that suck at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his bed, and the bride out of her bride-chamber. Between the porch and the altar the priests, the Lord’s ministers, shall weep, and shall say: Spare, Lord, spare thy people, and give not thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathens should rule over them. Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God? The Lord hath been zealous for his land, and hath spared his people. And the Lord answered and said to his people: Behold I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and you shall be filled with them, and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations, saith the Lord Almighty.

Explanation

The prophet, in these words, calls upon the Israelites to be converted, reminding them of the great mercy of God, and exhorting them to join true repentance for their sins with their fasting and alms. They should all, without exception, do penance and implore the mercy of God, who would then forgive them, deliver them from their enemies, and bring peace and happiness upon them.

Gospel

(Saint Matthew 6:16-21) At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: When you fast, be not tea the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will repay thee. Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust and moth consume, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also.

How do hypocrites receive their reward?

They receive their reward from men, and have nothing else to expect, for only works done for eternity will be eternally rewarded. Such are those that are done for God’s sake, add with his assistance. The true Christian lives in God, and in truth; but to live with the world and for mere appearance, is contrary to the life of Christians. All those persons therefore are to be counted among hypocrites who observe the obligation of fasting merely in order not to be censured by men, and not to appear without faith or religion; so too are those who pretend to be sick that they may be dispensed from fasting.

What did Christ mean when he said, but thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head and wash thy face?

To anoint the head and wash the face, were, in the East, the tokens of cleanliness and propriety. By these words, there fore, Jesus said as much as, “When you fast appear as usual, and do not make a show of your fasting, by your singularity.”

Why does Christ join contempt for earthly treasures with fasting?

To take away the miserable pretence of those who fast from avarice, and on account of the petty saving. “Let us fast,” says Saint Augustine, “that the savings may be deposited by the hands of the poor in the treasury of Jesus Christ, and not serve as a nourishment for our avarice. Where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also.” Wherever that is which thou lovest best, there are thy desires, thy thoughts, thy works. Is thy treasure of the earth, thy desire will be of the earth also, and will perish with it. Is thy treasure in heaven, thy thoughts and works will be there also, and remain forever.

Meditation

Jesus goes with his disciples to Mount Olivet. Be thou also prepared for the combat.

Prayer of the Church over the People

We bow down before thy majesty, O Lord; look upon us in mercy, that, comforted by divine gifts, we may always be nourished by heavenly assistance. Amen.

– Goffine’s Devout Instructions

Opinion: The Undeniable History of the Democratic Party

The modern Democratic Party seems unable and unwilling, to separate itself from the evil history of it's past. An evil past which it continues to this day.

The Democratic Party, was responsible for the forced removal of the Cherokee and other Southeastern Native American Nations, to Oklahoma.

The Democratic Party was responsible for seceding from the Union of the United States, and starting the Civil War for the sole reason of slavery.

The Democratic Party was responsible for the creation of the Ku Klux Klan, and all the repression and murder it brought upon black citizens, Catholics, Jews, and all whom it considered "less than human".

The Democratic Party was responsible for the Jim Crow laws throughout the South, that denied people of color equal rights, and equal access.

The Democratic Party was responsible for the evil of abortion and all of the inherent horrors that it brings to the most innocent and vulnerable among us.

The Democratic Party, was responsible for the acceptance of the evil called "assisted suicide", and pushes for the acceptance of this atrocity nation wide.

The Democratic Party has now passed a bill into law in New York, that allows for the murder of babies up until the moment of birth, and state legislatures including Vermont, Virginia, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and more are also calling for such legislation, under the guise of “women's healthcare”.

The Democratic Party has the undeniable history of promoting hate, discrimination, death, and destruction throughout it's entire existence.

Tell me how the Democratic party "cares" about people again. Their historical actions in the past proves that “care” is all a complete and total lie.

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for June 2018

Universal- Social Networks

That social networks may work towards that inclusiveness which respects others for their differences.

Buy Mystic Monk Coffee Today

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A Little Fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

My birthday will be on May 22, 2 weeks from today. To celebrate my upcoming sixty-third birthday, I decided this year, to create a fundraiser on Facebook to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude is also my Patron Saint.

I've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal.

https://www.facebook.com/donate/571624399877949/1873367949360318/

Opinion: Alfie Evans and the UK National Health Service

For the second time in as many years, we have seen Great Britain embrace one of the ideologies of Nazi Germany. That is, they now believe, as the Nazi's believed, that the execution of some members of the weakest and most vulnerable in society, is what is best for the overall welfare of the state.

The individual, and his or her life is expendable, and they must be eliminated to prevent a drain on the resources of the British National Health Service. The same excuse was used for programs the Nazi's implemented to eliminate the mentally and physically handicapped.

The only difference is, that the Nazi's hid their murders of the helpless, while their counterparts in Britain carry out their heinous crimes in the open for all the world to see.

In both cases, the cold blooded murder of the innocent is neither acceptable nor civilized.

It wasn't acceptable for Nazi Germany of the 1940's, and it is most definitely not acceptable for the United Kingdom of the 21st century.

Charlie Gard deserved better, and so does Alfie Evans.

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for April 2018

For Those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters

That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.

Alleluia! For He is Risen!

Alleluia!

For He is Risen!

By His Life, Death, and Resurrection,

All who believe and trust in Him are saved.

Man has been lifted from corruption

And shares in His Incorruptible Glory!

Man who lived in darkness

Now has the Eternal Light of His

Blessed and Glorious Kingdom forever!

For He is Christ the Lord!

Alleluia!

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for March 2018

Formation in Spiritual Discernment

That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.

A World Going Mad

This country has lost it's ever loving mind. Everything that we hold to be true, just, and moral is belittled, lied about, and we get treated as if we are ignorant and out of touch with reality.

We believe that all are created in the Image of God, and all have an inalienable right to life. We believe God when He told us that He knew us before He made us. Then we are called misogynists, backwards, and "anti-choice" for our belief.

We believe that marriage is only between one man and one woman, and that their union is inviolable and Blessed by Christ. Then we are called homophobes, anti-gay, and bigots because we believe what God Himself has commanded.

We believe that God created two genders only. Male and female He made them. Anything other than that is a novelty created by some confused, ill people and their enablers. Yet we hear that we are hate filled religious zealots and bigots, even when we can rightly see what Natural Law and Nature's Infallible Author has made.

We believe in the healing power of prayer, not just for illness of the body, but also for the healing of the soul and of the mind, that brings us closer to God, and imparts to us a portion of His Mercy, Love, and Grace. We are called fools for believing in an "invisible man in the sky", whom they say doesn't exist.

I see all of these things that we are ridiculed, ostracized, and persecuted for believing, and it makes me realize this simple truth. That until the day arrives that this nation, it's people, and it's leaders falls on our knees, bows our heads, and pleads for God's Forgiveness and Mercy...until that day...we are going to see more days like the mass shooting in Florida. Worse days, that will make that day seem like a walk in the park.

Pray to God now, that it won't be so.

Personal Prayer Request

I would appreciate your prayers for a personal situation I am going through at this time. God knows the need, so I will place it in His hands.

Thank you, and may God Bless you all!!

Yours In Christ,

Steve Smith

Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions for February 2018

Say "No" to Corruption

That those who have material, political or spiritual power may resist any lure of corruption.

Prayer to End Abortion

Note: This prayer was written by Father Frank Pavone, National Director Priests for Life.

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life,

And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.

I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion,

Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son.

I am ready to do my part in ending abortion.

Today I commit myself

Never to be silent,

Never to be passive,

Never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement,

And never to stop defending life

Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,

And our nation once again becomes

A nation with liberty and justice

Not just for some, but for all,

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Saint Peregrine Laziosi Novena

St. Peregrine is the Patron Saint of Cancer Patients. 

St. Peregrine was known for his holiness but also for a miraculous healing that he received.

He was scheduled to have his leg amputated because of a cancerous growth. The night before the surgery, he prayed for healing, received a vision of Christ coming down from the cross to touch his leg and was completely healed.

St. Peregrine Novena Prayers

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for the physical healing of…

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us…

Day 1 – Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair

Day 2 – Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope

Day 3 – Pray for us, that we will have the courage to offer up our suffering in unity with the Cross

Day 4 – Pray for us, that the loneliness of our suffering will be consoled

Day 5 – Pray for us, that the fear of death will be replaced with the hope of everlasting life

Day 6 – Pray for us, that our suffering will not rob us of joy

Day 7 – Pray for us, that in our pain we will not become selfish but ever more selfless

Day 8 – Pray for us, that this sickness will teach me to depend more and more on God

Day 9 – Pray for us, that our lives will glorify God alone

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important that a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

See the original post at “Pray More Novenas”.