Gaudete Sunday

The third Sunday of Advent...rejoice, the birth of Christ is almost here.
The light is brighting our dark days...it is almost time!

FYI

I am going on a sabbatical until after New Year's. I want to start my novena and at the same time concentrate on my family and what Christmas really means...not the commerical money grabbing event it has turned into. I want to concentrate on baking, reading books, watching movies and doing daily scriptures and bible studies with the family around Christs birth.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. See you after New Years.

Christmas Novena from EWTN

One of the ones I am going to do

16 December:

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

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 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!

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 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!

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 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.

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 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.

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 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!

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 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!

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 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!

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 Glory Be...

24 December:

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

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 Glory Be...

St. Anthony

OK...once many years ago, in a far away land lived a princess. Some man (who WAS NOT a prince) asked her to marry him. She said yes and had a beautiful diamond ring. When JENNIFER (hint, hint) found out he was "very friendly" with a female coworker she broke off the engagement. He told her she could keep the ring.


15 years later she cannot find the ring. I believe one of my girls took it out of my jewellery box and lost it. I've asked St. Anthony many times recently for help on this one. Last week the DVD player didn't work. My husband took it apart and found a DVD that had been lost for 5 years. A Christmas Story, one of my youngest dd's favourite movies. She lost it when she was little and we were not sure where. It was shoved in sideways and forced upwards causing it to get stuck in the back.

Well that's not exactly what I was asking him for but that's what I ended up with.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Prayer toour lady of Guadalupe

O our Lady of Guadalupe, my mystical rose, make intercession for the Holy Churh, protec the Sovereign Pontiff, and help all those who invoke thee in their neessities. Since tough are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain forus from thy most holy Son, the grace of keeping our faith, sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life, noble charity and the precios gift of final perserverance. Amen.



Missionaries who first came to Mexico with the conquistadors had little success in the beginning. After nearly a generation, only a few hundred Native Mexicans had converted to the Christian faith. Whether they simply did not understand what the missionaries had to offer or whether they resented these people who made them slaves, Christianity was not popular among the native people.

Then in 1531 miracles began to happen. Jesus' own mother appeared to humble Juan Diego. The signs -- of the roses, of the uncle miraculously cured of a deadly illness, and especially of her beautiful image on Juan's mantle -- convinced the people there was something to be considered in Christianity. Within a short time, six million Native Mexicans had themselves baptized as Christians.

The first lesson is that God has chosen Mary to lead us to Jesus. No matter what critics may say of the devotion of Mexicans (and Mexican descendants) to Our Lady of Guadalupe, they owe their Christianity to her influence. If it were not for her, they would not know her son, and so they are eternally grateful. The second lesson we take from Mary herself. Mary appeared to Juan Diego not as a European madonna but as a beautiful Aztec princess speaking to him in his own Aztec language. If we want to help someone appreciate the gospel we bring, we must appreciate the culture and the mentality in which they live their lives. By understanding them, we can help them to understand and know Christ. Our Lady of Guadalupe is patron of the Americas.



Prayer to or lady of Guadalupe

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 trsting you, sek 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 wih us through your admirable image, so now obtainfor us the graces we need. Amen


Juan Diego was born in 1474 in the calpulli or ward of Tlayacac in Cuauhtitlan, which was established in 1168 by Nahua tribesmen and conquered by the Aztec lord Axayacatl in 1467; and was located 20 kilometers (14 miles) north of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City).


On December 9, 1531, a native Mexican named Juan Diego rose before dawn to walk fifteen miles to daily Mass in what is now Mexico City. Juan lived a simple life as a weaver, farmer, and laborer. That morning, as Juan passed Tepeyac Hill, he heard music and saw a glowing cloud encircled by a rainbow. A woman's voice called him to the top of the hill. There he saw a beautiful young woman dressed like an Aztec princess. She said she was the Virgin Mary and asked Juan to tell the bishop to build a church on that site. She said, "I vividly desire that a church be built on this site, so that in it I can be present and give my love, compassion, help, and defense, for I am your most devoted mother . . . to hear your laments and to remedy all your miseries, pains, and sufferings."

The bishop was kind but skeptical. He asked Juan to bring proof of the Lady's identity. Before Juan could go back to the Lady, he found out his uncle was dying. Hurrying to get a priest, Juan missed his meeting with the Lady. The Lady, however, met him on his path and told him that his uncle had been cured.

She then told Juan to climb to the top of the hill where they first met. Juan was shocked to find flowers growing in the frozen soil. He gathered them in his cloak and took them at once to the bishop.

Juan told the bishop what had happened and opened his cloak. The flowers that fell to the ground were Castilian roses (which were not grown in Mexico). But the bishop's eyes were on the glowing image of the Lady imprinted inside Juan's cloak.

Soon after, a church was built on the site where our Lady appeared, and thousands converted to Christianity. Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared the patroness of the Americas.

He died on May 30, 1548, at the age of 74.

Juan Diego deeply loved the Holy Eucharist, and by special permission of the Bishop he received Holy Communion three times a week, a highly unusual occurrence in those times.

Pope John Paul II praised Juan Diego for his simple faith nourished by catechesis and pictured him (who said to the Blessed Virgin Mary: “I am a nobody, I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf”) as a model of humility for all of us.

In His Footsteps:
Juan walked fifteen miles to attend Mass every day. Participate in Mass one day this week that is not a Sunday Mass. If this is impossible, take a long walk outside and notice the miracles of God's love during that walk. You may not see roses in the snow or hear music, but there is plenty to praise God for!

Prayer
Blessed Juan, you faced the skepticism and rejection of a bishop and the crowds to bring Mary's message to Mexico. Pray for us that when we are faced with obstacles to our faith we may show that same courage and commitment. Amen


When I lived in Texas on the Mexican border Guadulupe was a very common name for females. And Jesus was common for men. Stuck me as odd...I would never name my son Jesus, but I might name my girl Guadulupe.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

I seriously think my youngest is going to be a saint.

The first time I took her to Mass she sat down, crossed her arms and said "So where's baby Jesus". She thought he was alive at the church.

She will sit front and center if she can so she can see the crucifix better.

She wants to receive the eucharist so badly. She was so upset that her brother got to and she didn't.

One day she told her dad we were going to Mass because the Holy Spirit was there. I had no idea how she even knew about that word. Imagine my total suprise when the whole readings and the homily were about the Holy Spirit. I asked her if she could see Him. She said yes, that he was up above the altar in the air going from side to side. Somehow I believed her.

One time a resident at work was dying. She knew this, she knew this resident and liked her. She told me before I left for work that this resident had died. I said I don't know honey, I'll find out when I go to work. She said no mommy, she died. Of course I got to work to find out the resident died a few moments before my daughter told me.

See...a saint in the making.






Anyways last week at the dinner table she comes out with this:
"Christmas isn't about presents you know"
I said "I know, do you know what it's about"
She said "Yes...it's about baby Jesus"
I asked her how she knew that

She said....are you ready

School mommy, maybe YOU should go back and learn that if you didn't know where I learned it.

Miraculous Medal

I want to share the personal story I have with this medal.

10 years ago when I got pregnant with my son I was on the verge of deciding to become Catholic. I was on a drug called Accutane. It causes severe birth defects and most times you sign a waiver stating you'll abort if you become pregnant on it. Well I was never asked to sign that waiver. The dr who prescribed it told me there was a chance of birth defects and it was up to me. He urged for an abortion but I knew I couldn't do it. Never. No matter what. Even if it meant my child could be severally mentally challenged, even if it meant hydrocephalus, even if it meant little or no brain that was developed I could never go through with it.

I wore the miraculous medal. It was silver. I bought a cheap silver chain and wore it. One time at work the boy broke it. The mother was helping me at the time and she offered to buy me a new chain. I said no, just get me a safety pin so I can pin this medal to the inside of my shirt for now. She thought I was a nut. But I needed it on me. I went out after my shift and bought another chain and I've worn it ever since. My son was born perfectly fine. He gets almost straight A's...he would get straight A's if he didn't rush through things as much. LOL.

The only time I have taken the necklace off is for my c-section and when I had a x-ray. When I took it off for the x-ray the medal didn't come off the chain. It stuck to the back of my neck and was staying put. The tech noticed it with the next batch of x-rays. It just didn't want to leave me.

I was so grateful about my son being fine that I named my next daughter Catherine, after Catherine Laboure who had visions of the Virgin Mary and was instructed by Her to have the medal struck.

In almost 10 years I wore that medal daily. It was just in the past month that I changed it with a new one. The back of my old was so worn out it was flat. I'll have to get the Priest to bless it.

During the advent season I always think about Mary being pregnant and giving birth to baby Jesus and how it would compare to my own experiences. I am always drawn back to the medal and do this novena

Miraculous Medal Novena

O Immaculate Virgin Mary,
Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our Mother,
penetrated with the most lively confidence
in you all-powerful and never-failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal,,
we your loving and trustful children
implore you to obtain for us the graces
and favours we ask during this novena,
if they be beneficial to our immortal sous,
and the souls for whom we pray.
(State your intention here...)
You know, O Mary,
how often our souls have been
the sanctuaries of your Son who hates iniquity.
obtain for us then a deep hatred of sin
and that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone
so that our every thought, word and deed
may tend to His greater glory.
Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self-denial
that we may recover by penance
what we have lost by sin
and at length attain to that blessed abode
where you are the Queen of angels and of men.
Amen.

Favourite Prayers

I wanted to share a few of my favourite prayers

Hail Holy Queen

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us. And after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Miraculous Medal Prayer
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Memorare
Remember, most loving Virgin Mary, never was it heard that anyone ho turned to you for help was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence through burdened by my sins, I run to your protection for you are my mother. Mother of the Word of God, do not despise my words of pleading but be merciful and hear my prayer. Amen.


I also wanted to post this before but was in hospital...as was I in hospital for St. Gertrude.I didn't forget, I just was in hospital.

Anyways it's a Novena I did for the Immaculate Conception. I thought about posting it last night but then got busy with life. (OK, it was the movie number 23, which I liked...no one else did but I like mentally twisted things)


Novena Prayer for the Immaculate Conception.

O Mary Immaculate!
Guard with loving care this country dedicated to thee.
Let thy purity keep it pure.
Watch over its institutions.
As thou art the Refuge of all sinners,
this country is the refuge of the exiled and the oppressed.
Guide it ever in the ways of peace.
Let not its prosperity be its ruin.
Alas! Many of it's children,
who know not what they do,
are walking in uncertain paths,
which are dark, and lead them away from the truth.
Mother of all, pray for us and plead for them,
that we, thy children,
may love and adore thy adorable Son with more fervent faith,
and that those who are wandering in error's path may,
through thy intercession,
return to the one Fold of the True Shepard,
to they Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Todays Bible Reading

The part from Genesis...I've always loved that part. I love how God knows they've ate the fruit because they are hiding and wearing leaves. I love how when asked the man blames the woman. I don't get how God's response is original sin. Anyone care to explain?

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

PRAYER OF POPE PIUS XII

This prayer, dedicated to Mary Immaculate, was composed by the Pope for the Marian Year (December 8, 1953---December 8, 1954), which was proclaimed to mark the centenary of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.



Enraptured by the splendor of thy heavenly beauty, and impelled by the anxieties of the world, we cast ourselves into thine arms, O Immacuate Mother of Jesus and our Mother, Mary, confident of finding in thy most loving heart appeasement of our ardent desires, and a safe harbor from the tempests which beset us on every side.

Though degraded by our faults and overwhelmed by infinite misery, we admire and praise the peerless richness of sublime gifts with which God has filled thee, above every other mere creature, from the first moment of thy conception until the day on which, after thine assumption into Heaven, He crowned thee Queen of the Universe.

O crystal fountain of faith, bathe our minds with the eternal truths! O fragrant Lily of all holiness, captivate our hearts with thy heavenly perfume! O Conqueress of evil and death, inspire in us a deep horror of sin, which makes the soul detestable to God and a slave of Hell!

O well-beloved of God, hear the ardent cry which rises up from every heart. Bend tenderly over our aching wounds. Convert the wicked, dry the tears of the afflicted and oppressed, comfort the poor and humble, quench hatreds, sweeten harshness, safeguard the flower of purity in youth, protect the holy Church, make all men feel the attraction of Christian goodness. In thy name, resounding harmoniously in Heaven, may they recognize that they are brothers, and that the nations are members of one family, upon which may there shine forth the sun of a universal and sincere peace.

Receive, O most sweet Mother, our humble supplications, and above all obtain for us that, one day, happy with thee, we may repeat before thy throne that hymn which today is sung on earth around thine altars: Thou art all-beautiful, O Mary! Thou art the glory, thou art the joy, thou art the honor of our people! Amen.

Saint Nicholas

A great example of how to live a Christian life and the inspiration for Santa Claus...too bad the whole Santa Claus is so material based and not based on Christ.

Tagged

I have been tagged by Auntie Adrienne and it's time to play. Here are the rules as they appear on her blog.

Instructions:
Each tagged person must post 8 random facts or habits about themselves on their blog. At the end of the post, choose 8 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment telling them that they are tagged and to read your blog. Have fun!

Here are my 8 abnormalities:


First of all I want to say I had this all typed out and blogger messed up on me...GRRRRRR



1. I drink only water and coffee. No juice, no milk, tea only if I'm sick.

2. My water had to be ice cold. I freeze the bottle, squish and shake it a few times until it's crushed and frozen just right.

3. I prefer my coffee dark roast. Never flavoured. I use to take 2 cream in it but since I need to lose weight I switched to milk

4. I only drink coffee out of a blue mug. I have 3 of the same mug so I always need to ensure one is clean.

5. I have wide feet, which makes it hard to buy shoes.

6. I am not a pet person but have a chocolate lab. I have him for the kids...but when he's gone I am not getting another one.

7. I regret not furthering my education. I wanted to be a nurse practioner, a dr, a naturopath, a nurse in the operating room...but each time I applied and was accepted I ended up pregnant. I guess God wanted me to do what I am. Truth be known I love working in a nursing home and helping people as they go through the dying process. It is such a spiritual thing at times.

8. My dream for my children are for my son to be a priest and perhaps Pope and for one of my girls to be a nun



Now I don't think 8 people read this but I'll tag

Ukok
SFO Mom
Dymphna's Well
Angela Messenger....sorry, that's all I think regularly read this.