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There is no need for irreverent liturgies to be offered to youngsters, in the hope of sparking an interest in religion. It is better, in Christ's sight, to prepare joyful social events for them, followed by thorough catechesis, and opportunities for Reconciliation. Then there can be a beautiful inspiring Mass, or Adoration and Benediction.
Our guardian Angels always pray with immense reverence and devotion. They love to see us pray in the same manner; and though we do not usually see them we can delight in the knowledge that they are beside us as we pray: our faithful guardians and companions.
Christ said that many Catholics who should pray every day cannot be bothered to do so: cannot be bothered to turn in regular conversation to the one Who created them, died to save them, sustains them in being, and will one day judge them.
Some people treat the Sacred Host as if it is merely a bit of bread and not Christ Himself with us in sacramental form under the appearance of bread. They neither respect nor adore Christ, whether from ignorance, carelessness or indifference: yet He is our Saviour and our God.
Some people treat the Sacred Host as if it is merely a bit of bread and not Christ Himself with us in sacramental form under the appearance of bread. They neither respect nor adore Christ, whether from ignorance, carelessness or indifference: yet He is our Saviour and our God.
A person with limited knowledge of God, and of people, and limited expectations, is sometimes ignorant about the wonders that God can bring about, Who knows the real needs of each individual. In her limitation, she is like a foreigner who is amazed by what she sees in a supermarket aisle, but is not aware - as a regular shopper is aware - that there are several aisles, each with new things to taste or choose.
God and His holy Angels look on with joy, wherever Christ and His mother Mary are present, where Christ is adored and Mary honoured, and where people follow their example - as in the Domaine, at Lourdes.
To live as a faithful Catholic, in difficult circumstances, is like climbing a huge mountain, knowing that a great welcome awaits climbers at the summit. A good climber does not lose hope, but keeps climbing, confident that - by God's grace - he will be strong enough to persevere.
Christ showed me that from every floor of the hospital of St Frai in Lourdes we can see the sunlight and the Heavens. At every Mass, likewise, we are in contact with the Father - Who reaches out to us - and with Heaven, no matter whether the Mass has to be conducted outdoors, or underground, or in any sort of building, because of unusual circumstances.
It is strange, in the Church today, that many priests who encourage parishioners to go on processions which honour the Blessed Virgin Mary are reluctant to take part in, or allow, devotion and processions which honour her Son, Jesus Christ, in the Blessed Sacrament. Surely, those who love Mary should be even more glad to show love for her Divine Son!
Whoever needs help need only go to the hearts of Jesus and Mary, who work together to help and save us. This happened in Lourdes, for example, when Mary appeared to Bernadette, then Jesus was made Present in the grotto in the Blessed Sacrament.
The sacred Domaine in Lourdes can serve as an image of the soul of each individual. It should be kept holy. Nothing unholy should be allowed to disturb or sully its peace, purity and beauty.
Christ is pleased to be honoured by preparation for His visit in Holy Communion to the housebound. Jesus stood in my room, as I waited to receive Him in Holy Communion. He showed me how joyful He was to be here. He gazed around Him, looking at the crucifix and the candles put out in His honour, and at the pictures of His Mother, and other Saints, nearby. He said: "IT IS GOOD TO BE HERE, WHERE I AM HONOURED". He meant, in a place where He is plainly held in high esteem as our God and Saviour: our joy and strength.
Christ said to me, about the mantilla I was wearing in Church: "This is what I want every woman to do" - as a mark of respect for Him. Or we can wear a headscarf, hat or veil; so long as we cover most of our hair, just as St. Paul recommends, and as has been customary in the Church for two thousand years.
A person who has welcomed the Spirit of Christ into his soul can count on the Holy Spirit to carry him across the Abyss when he dies, to meet Christ and to make his way into Heaven - even if through Purgatory. But the man who has persisted in saying to God: "I don't need you", will find, at death, that he falls into the Abyss.
The Lord showed me how brief is earthly life, compared with Eternity. He asked me to tell everyone: This glory is what you are called to. What will you do to attain it? - In other words, are we sincerely preparing to receive the free gift of Eternal Life, and are we worthy to enter Heaven?
Our Lady spoke about those people who deliberately ignore her prayers, and the good advice of other people, and who deliberately take the path that leads to Hell. If they do not repent before the 'door' of death closes, they will be trapped in torment forever.
It would please God if every Catholic would do what Pope Saint Pius X did, in that he loved to give glory to God by doing His Will, and worked to save souls. In every type of vocation we can give glory to God and save souls by our faithfulness and love, fulfilling the Father's Will not personal satisfaction.
Pope Pius X fought bravely against heresy, Christ said. It would be wonderful, the Lord said, if everyone could do what this Saintly Pope has done, and decide to fulfil the Father's Will, for His glory, and to save souls, rather than seeking personal satisfaction. It is sad that many Catholics criticise that Pope's life and works, and want to overturn the Church's teachings, even on moral issues.
Through Christ, at every Mass, we share in His praise of the Father, and are brought into the presence of the whole company of Heaven
Showing 841 - 860 of 1911