Today's Gospel Mt 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means “God is with us.”

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Words to ponder in our hearts today, as this was not something Joseph had planned...

Saint José Manyanet y Vives

Born to a large and pious family.

Dedicated to Our Lady at age 5 by his mother.

"The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." (John 14: 26)

From the beginning, the Holy Spirit has brought forth men and women who have remembered and spread the truth revealed by Jesus. One of these was Saint José Manyanet, a true apostle of the family. Inspired by the school of Nazareth, he carried out his plan of personal sanctity and heroically devoted himself to the mission that the Spirit entrusted to him. He founded two religious congregations. A visible symbol of his apostolic zeal is also the temple of the Holy Family of Barcelona.

May Saint José Manyanet bless all families and help them follow the example of the Holy Family in their homes!

Blessed Mary Fontanella

One of twelve children. At age twelve she joined the Cistercians at Saluzza. Unfortunately, Mary's father died soon after, and Mary had to return home to help with the family. Four years later, over the protests of her family, she joined the Carmelites in Turin, Italy. Visionary and mystic, she was the victim of numerous diabolical attacks. Novice mistress in 1691 at age 33. Prioress in 1694. Found a Carmelite monastery at Moncaglieri. Noted for her strong devotion to Saint Joseph.

To St. Joseph for Protection

"Gracious St. Joseph, protect me and my family from all evil as you did the Holy Family. Kindly keep us ever united in the love of Christ, ever fervent in the imitation of the virtue of our Blessed Lady, your sinless spouse, and always faithful in devotion to you. Amen" ~ From the Franciscan Mission Associates

Christmas Novena

Say this Novena beginning on 16 December and ending on 24 December. This Novena, though it starts one day earlier than the O Antiphons, correlates with the O Antiphons in the titles used to address Jesus between 17 and 24 December. It would, therefore, make a good Novena to pray when your family prays the O Antiphons.

16 December:
O Shepherd that rulest Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep, come to guide and comfort us.

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

17 December:
O Wisdom that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence!

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

18 December:
O Adonai, and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him the law in Sinai, come to redeem us with an outstretched arm!

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

19 December:
O Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at Whom the kings shall shut their mouths, Whom the Gentiles shall seek, come to deliver us, do not tarry.

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

20 December:
O Key of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel, that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth, come to liberate the prisoner from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death.

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

21 December:
O Dayspring, Brightness of the everlasting light, Son of justice, come to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death!

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

22 December:
O King of the Gentiles, yea, and desire thereof! O Corner-stone, that makest of two one, come to save man, whom Thou hast made out of the dust of the earth!

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

23 December:
O Emmanuel, our King and our Law-giver, Longing of the Gentiles, yea, and salvation thereof, come to save us, O Lord our God!

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

24 December:
O Thou that sittest upon the cherubim, God of hosts, come, show Thy face, and we shall be saved.

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.

More @ EWTN

Christmas Novena Prayer

St. Mary Di Rosa ~ saint of the day...

Saint Mary Di Rosa

Founded a home dedicated to the spiritual needs of young girls, and a school for deaf children. In 1840 she became the superior of the Handmaids of Charity, nuns who cared for the sick, and she took the name Mary Crucifixa.

Paola Di Rosa, whose religious name was Maria Crocifissa Di Rosa (1813 - 1855), was one of those rare figures, who in reaching out to others, seemed to have an angelic quality about her. Born in Brescia in 1813 to a well-off family, very early in her adolescence Paola had to come to terms with the death of her young mother due to a terminal illness. This situation made her realize that life cannot be considered a pleasure for rich people and a Calvary for the poor, but a trial for everyone, to face and to take account of . It is quite possible, that this understanding of Paola’s at such a young age was the beginning of the process which would evetually culminate in the great fruits of the Charity hospitals. Thousands of patients in hospital wards, thousands of children in schools, thousands of young girls saved from the streets, thousands of young people brought up and educated and old people cared for, recognize and are grateful to the Handmaids of Charity who have followed the loving example of their founder. Paola was the daughter of an industrialist from Brescia, who was very good at business, although he was not overly preoccupied with money. Paola's mother died when she was 11 and she was sent to a boarding school run by the Visitation sisters.

When she was 19, Paola became the manager of the spinning mill in Acquafredda and there she befriended the girls who lived away from home from Monday to Saturday. Her father began to realize that his daughter’s strong personality would never accept the ties and restrictions of family life.

With the cholera outbreak in Brescia in 1836, Paola became a nurse and assisted the sick women of the town, with constant love and devotion. She soon discovered that goodness in itself had a value far greater than any company or firm, her father could ever offer her. While taking care of the women in the old people's home "Casa d'industria" as well as devoting attention to the young girls in moral danger, she founded two schools for deaf and dumb people. At last the "Pia unione" began to take on a definite form, it would later become the very large congregation of the Handmaids of Charity. But where did this frail and weak woman find the time and the strength for so many activities? Her weak health would result in her death at the early age of 42. She would get up 2 hours before dawn and immerse herself in mental prayer. She would attend Mass in the Cathedral, in the company of her maid. She would then spend a further two hours in an intense dialogue with God. In this way her morning illuminated the day that lay ahead. The first Handmaids were nurses and they joyfully followed Paola, providing prolonged medical assistance to the sick.

The charitable association of the Pia Unione, which at the beginning was so small as to be almost invisible, had its most important test during the war for Independence (1848) and in the "Ten days of Brescia", during which Brescia resisted the Austrian invader and became known as the "Lioness of Italy". Love remained the most important feature of the Pia Unione, that later became the Congregation of the Handmaids with the three vows, thanks to its prompt ratification by Pope Pius IX. The new congregation spread to various towns throughout Italy. More and more places providing sanitary services were founded in Italy and abroad. With her religious profession, Paola took the name of Maria Crocifissa. Her frail health brought her to a premature death in December 1855. However, the congregation, still exists, fruit of a love that is eternal, just as God is.

Extracts from F. Mollinari, Maria Crocifissa Di Rosa a Saint for Others

In Her Footsteps:

Mary di Rosa would go out at a moment's notice if she felt that someone needed her help. The next time someone you know needs your aid, don't put off helping and make excuses. Drop what you are doing and give them what they need.

Prayer:

Saint Mary Di Rosa, you weren't afraid to take new opportunities. It's frightening when we are asked to do something that is different or new. We would rather stay in our safe and comfortable routines. Help us to embrace each obstacle in our path as a new opportunity to serve God. Amen

Dark Night of the Soul ~ St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross -- On a dark night

Saint John of the Cross is the mystical doctor. His writings on the soul united with God in prayer reveal the most profound mystical expressions, experiences and insights ever imagined. http://www.doctorsofthecatholicchurch.com/JC.html

Saint John of the Cross

May God be your one and only consultation...

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

.... these are the words that we should be lifting up to God during the last days of Advent. If we haven't done so already, pray these words in the silence of your heart ~ O Come, O Come, Emmanuel into my heart.

Emmanuel is the promised one, God kept his promise he did not delay. His timing was good and right, it was perfect... help me to trust in this promise each and everyday of my life. Help me to receive Jesus Christ your only son into my heart and all you have sent me today.

Thank you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit for your love!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

obtained from www.sancta.org

Prayer

Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, that in your apparitions on Mount Tepeyac you promised to show pity and compassion to all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help and protection. Accordingly, listen now to our supplications and grant us consolation and relief. We are full of hope that, relying on your help, nothing can trouble or affect us. As you have remained with us through your admirable image, so now obtain for us the graces we need. Amen.

The Road to Bethlehem

Road to Bethlehem

"Say to the fainthearted: Take courage!

The Lord our God is coming to save us."

This is a quote from the antiphon taken from todays morning prayer...

go to: www.divineoffice.org they have a podcast that you can listen to.... enjoy! :-)

Love desires to see God

I feel very inspired to share this with you today it is a homily reading from the Liturgy of the Hours, usually something priests and religious pray but lay people are also welcome to pray this too. Please remember our prayers are with you as you continue to follow Our Lord's path for you and your family life. Hang on, do not let others upset the peace that Our Lord wants and desires for you and your spouse, Our Lord has a great plan for your lives trust in HIM! Keep repeating "Jesus I trust in you..." Peace, Hope and Love, Hannah's Tears Ministry Reading
Love desires to see God A sermon by St Peter Chrysologus
When God saw the world falling to ruin because of fear, he immediately acted to call it back to himself with love. He invited it by his grace, preserved it by his love, and embraced it with compassion. Thus, when the earth had grown old in evil, God sent the flood both to punish and to release it. He called Noah to be the father of a new era, urged him with gentle words, and showed his trust in him. He instructed him about the present and reassured him about the future. God did not just issue orders but shared in the work of shutting into the ark all that was to be born into the world in the future. Thus by sharing in love he took away servile fear, and he protected with shared love whatever their shared labour had saved. Thus God called Abraham out of the heathen world, lengthened his name from ‘Abram’, and made him our father in faith. He accompanied him on his journeys, protected him in foreign lands, enriched him with possessions, and honoured him with victories. He made promises to him, saved him from harm, accepted his hospitality, and astonished him by giving him the offspring he had despaired of. Abraham was favored with so many good things and drawn by the God’s sweet love so that he would learn to love, not fear: love, not fear was to inspire him to worship. Thus when Jacob was fleeing, God comforted him with a dream and roused him to combat upon his return. He hugged him in a wrestler’s grip so that he would love the one who had given battle and not fear him. Thus God called Moses as a father would. It was with fatherly affection that he invited him to become the liberator of his people. But in all the events we have recalled, the flame of God’s love set human hearts on fire and intoxicated human senses. Wounded by love, men longed to see God with their bodily eyes. How could our narrow human vision perceive one whom the whole world cannot contain? What will be, what ought to be, what can be – the law of love does not care about these things. Love does not have judgement, reason, strategy. Love refuses to be consoled when its goal proves impossible, refuses to be cured if its goal is difficult to achieve. Love destroys the lover if he cannot obtain what he loves. It goes where it is led, not where it ought to go. Love gives birth to desire, it bursts into flame and that fire draws it to seek forbidden things. What more is there to say? Love cannot accept not seeing the thing that it loves. That is why the saints counted whatever they deserved as being nothing if it did not mean that they could see the Lord. Thus although a love that desires to see God may not be desiring something reasonable, but still its desire is a truly good thing. Thus it was that Moses dared to say: If I have found favor in your eyes, show me your face. Thus it was that the psalmist said: Show me your face. Even the pagans were obeying the same impulse when they made their idols: even though they were mistaken, they knew that they had to see with their eyes what they worshipped with their hearts. From the Office of Readings

Translation of the Holy House of Loreto

Our Lady and the Divine Infant pictured

in the translation of the Holy House of Loreto

Litany of Loreto

V. Lord, have mercy. R. Christ have mercy. V. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us. R. Christ graciously hear us. God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us. Holy Mother of God, pray for us. Holy Virgin of Virgins, [etc.] Mother of Christ, Mother of divine grace, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste, Mother inviolate, Mother undefiled, Mother most amiable, Mother most admirable, Mother of good Counsel, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Savior, Virgin most prudent, Virgin most venerable, Virgin most renowned, Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of justice, Seat of wisdom, Cause of our joy, Spiritual vessel, Vessel of honor, Singular vessel of devotion, Mystical rose, Tower of David, Tower of ivory, House of gold, Ark of the covenant, Gate of heaven, Morning star, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of Angels, Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of Prophets, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Virgins, Queen of all Saints, Queen conceived without original sin, Queen assumed into heaven, Queen of the most holy Rosary, Queen of peace, V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, R. Spare us, O Lord. V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, R. Graciously hear us, O Lord. V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be freed from present sorrow, and rejoice in eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. The versicle and prayer after the litany may be varied by season. Thus, during Advent (from the fourth Sunday before Christmas to Christmas Eve): V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Let us pray. O God, who hast willed that by the message of an Angel, thy Word should receive flesh from the womb of the Virgin Mary: grant unto thy suppliants, that we who believe that she is truly the Mother of God, may be assisted by her intercession before Thee. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen. read more on Our Lady below: Our Lady of Loreto

Saint Juan Diego ~ Happy Feast Day

Saint Juan Diego

Farm worker, field labourer, and mat maker. Married layman with no children.

Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.

- Our Lady to Juan Diego, 9 December 1531

Remembering Saint Hannah

Meditation

Prayer was the first of Hannah and Elkanah's duties. So often it is our last and most neglected. Prayer unites us to god himself in a communion of mind and heart. Prayer brings a confidence in knowing that all we ask for, the Lord will grant according to his loving plan of Divine Providence. This is the confidence which Christ bestows on us in praying the prayer that he taught us: "thy kingdom come, thy will be done." The Father's will may not always be clear to us but that should not inhibit our praise of his goodness. Prayers of praise constantly flow from the true believer's soul.

Obtained from the "Magnificat" Advent Stations 2009; the 5th station "The Song of Praise of Hannah and Elkanah"

Read more:

1Samuel 1

1 Samuel 2

Immaculate Conception

Happy feast day!

Saint Ambrose

Prayer of St. Ambrose

Lord, teach me to seek You, and reveal Yourself to me when

I seek You. For I cannot seek You unless You first teach me,

nor find You, unless You first reveal Yourself to me.

Let me seek You in longing, and long for You in seeking.
Let me find You in love, and love You in finding.

Amen.

Let's get ready to celebrate the feast of Saint Nicholas!!!

Let's get ready for a celebration of faith and hope!!!!

Tomorrow being the feast of St. Nicholas I do believe

we should turn our hearts to faithful traditions, something

to keep our minds busy and thinking of ways to help

someone who may have less then we do...

Let's get cooking!!!

Recipe:
Mulled Bishops Wyn

1 bottle claret
6 cloves
4 cinnamon sticks

Break cinnamon into small pieces. Simmer wine, cloves, and cinnamon for about 5 minutes. Strain wine. Serve Hot.

• Dinner is served by candle light. It is good for all of us to have traditions and rituals in the home, and also to serve the same special "St. Nicholas Day Dinner" each year on this Feast. Here's one idea:

Traditional St. Nicholas Day Dinner
4-6 lb. pork shoulder roast - stuffed with:

1/2 cup diced fresh cranberries, 1 apple, diced,

2/3 cup prunes cut into bits,

1/2 - 2/3 cup raisins.

Bake in oven for about 3 - 3 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.

Or cook in crock pot all day slowly. (Serves 8)

Mashed potatoes and gravy
Vegetable
Dinner rolls

DESSERT: BLACK FOREST "GOOD WORKS" CAKE
Can be bought already made / or can be easily baked at home

- 1 roll refrigerated brownie cookie dough
- 1(21 ounce ) can of cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- chocolate or fudge sauce

To make: divide brownie dough in half. Spread 1/2 in an 8" round cake pan (greased). and the other 1/2 in a second 8" round cake pan. (greased)

Bake as directed.

Cool both cakes. Place one cake on decorated plate.

Pour 1/2 of the thick chocolate or fudge sauce over the bottom cake and then cover with 1/2 the can of cherries.

Place other brownie cake on top. Refrigerate. Right before serving, pour remainder of Chocolate/fudge sauce over top. Cover with remainder of cherries and almonds. Serve with lots of whipped cream.!

Note - the reason for the cherries in the middle of the cake as well as for the fruit stuffing in the shoulder pork roast, is to symbolize the good works of St. Nicholas - some hidden from the eyes of men and some done openly. This cake serves as a reminder that our lives should be the same in this regard.

More recipes

Let us know how your dinner turns out!!!

St. John of Damascus

Feast: December 4

Prayer

Dear St. John, intercede for us as we endeavor to influence our friends and neighbors to the ways of God and His Church. Pray that those of us who have wealth use it to serve God’s purposes. Pray also that those of us blessed with artistic skill use it to further God’s Church. And finally, pray that those of us blessed with children may follow the example of your parents and protect our children against the harmful effects of the culture of our own times. Amen.

Saint Lucy

Let us prepare for the feast of St. Lucy, as we begin with her novena and then celebrate with the recipes linked below for her feast day. May we all be given the gift to truly see with the eyes of God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

click below for recipes

Saint Lucy's Feast Day

Saint Lucy - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online

Novena

Prayer To Saint Lucy
(Feast – December 13)
SAINT LUCY,
Whose beautiful name
Signifies light, By the light of Faith
Which God bestowed upon you,
Increase and preserve
His light in my soul,
So that I may avoid evil,
Be zealous in the performance
Of good works,
And abhor nothing
So much as the blindness
And the darkness
Of evil and sin.

Obtain for me,
By your intercession
With God,
Perfect vision
For my bodily eyes
And the grace to use them
For God’s greater honor
And glory
And the salvation of souls.

St. Lucy,
Virgin and martyr,
Hear my prayers
And obtain my petitions.

Amen.

Feast of St. Francis Xavier

click below for prayers

Saint Francis Xavier
"It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards a man's progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken."