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Today Christians Honor Blessed William Carter, Martyred for Christ Jesus, Please Pray For Us!

Thursday, January 11th, 2024

Bl William Carter

Bl. William Carter –Image: A Catholic Prayer@Twitter

(Franciscan Media) Born in London, William Carter entered the printing business at an early age. For many years he worked as an apprentice to well known Catholic printers–one of who served a prison sentence for persisting in Catholicism. William also served prison time for printing ‘lewd (i.e. Catholic) pamphlets’ as well as possessing books upholding Catholicism.

Even more, William offended public officials by publishing works that aimed to keep Catholics firm in their faiths. Officials that searched William’s house found various vestments and suspect books and were even able to extract information from William’s distraught wife–Over the next 18 months, William remained in prison, tortured and subsequently learning of his wife’s death.

William was eventually charged with printing and publishing the ‘Treatise of Schisme’ which allegedly incited violence by Catholic and which was said to have been written by a traitor who addressed to traitors.

While William calmly placed his trust in God, the jury met for only 15 minutes before finding him guilty–William made his final confession to a Priest who was being prosecuted along side of him, hanged, drawn and quartered the following day.

In 1987 he was beatified by Pope John Paul II

More here from Catholic Online

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Blessed Epiphany of the Lord Jesus!

Sunday, January 7th, 2024

“Where is the Child who has been born King of the Jews? For we have observed His star at its rising and have come to pay Him homage.” When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy! On entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother and they knelt down, paid Him homage, then opening their treasure chests, they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. –Matthew 2:2; 10-11
Image Courtesy: Brother Ramon Moreno

The Visit of the Wise Men

In the time of King Herod after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Wise Men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, “Where is the Child who has been born King of the Jews? For we observed His star at its rising and have come to pay Him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him and calling together all his chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born? They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the Prophet:

“You Bethlehem, in the land of Judah
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
far from you shall come a ruler
who is to Shepherd my people Israel.”
(See: Micah 5:2)

Then King Herod secretly called the Wise Men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared, then he sent them to Bethlehem saying, “Go and search diligently for the Child and when you have found Him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay Him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out and there, ahead of them went the star that they had seen at its rising until it stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy! On entering the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother and they knelt down and paid Him homage, then opening their treasure chests. they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (See: Isaiah 60:6) Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. –Matthew 2:1-12

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings, Visit: -USCCB

The Messiah Would be the Star Coming Out of Jacob -Jews For Jesus

The Messiah Would be the Descendant of Abraham, Whom All Nation Would be Blessed -Jews For Jesus

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An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today – Christmas Weekday!

Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024

The Word of God became flesh and lived among us.
To all who received Him, who believed in His name,
He gave power to become children of God.
–John 1:14(a);12  Image Courtesy: EWTN

Lamb of God

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who ranks ahead of me because He was before me.’ I myself did not know Him but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that He might be revealed to Israel and John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him but the One who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God!” –John 1:29-34

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings for Christmas Weekday, Visit: -USCCB

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Today Christians Commemorate St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr For Christ Jesus – Please Pray For Us!

Friday, December 29th, 2023

St Thomas BecketSt. Thomas Becket (1118-1170)
Image Courtesy: —Aquinas and More

(Franciscan Media) Today is the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas and we remember St.Thomas Becket, the other Thomas that was martyred for Jesus Christ.

A strong who wavered but for a moment but then learned that one cannot come to terms with evil and so he became a strong churchman, a martyr and a Saint–Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury murdered in his Cathedral on the 29 December, 1170

Thomas Becket’s career began as a stormy one–While Archdeacon of Canterbury he was made Chancellor of England at the age of 36 by his friend King Henry II when Henry felt it advantageous to make his Chancellor the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas gave him fair warning, he might not accept all of Henry’s intrusions into Church affairs nevertheless, he was made Archbishop (in 1162) and resigned his Chancellorship and reformed his whole way of life.

Troubles followed, Henry insisted on usurping Church rights–at one time supposing some conciliatory action possible, Thomas came close to compromise and momentarily approved the ‘Constitutions of Clarendon’ which would have denied the Clergy the right of trial by a Church Court and prevented them from making direct appeal to Rome but Thomas, rejected the ‘Constitutions’ fled to France for safety and remained in exile for seven years.

When Thomas returned to England in 1170 he suspected it would mean certain death because he refused to remit censures, Thomas placed upon Bishops favored by King Henry who cried out in a rage: “Will no one rid me of this troublesome Priest.”

Four knights taking his words as his wish, slew Thomas in the Canterbury Cathedral.

In 1173 Thomas was canonized–In July the following year, King Henry in an attempt to calm a public revolt, did a public penance at St.Thomas’ tomb which became a pilgrimage for the faithful.

More here on St. Thomas Becket from Catholic Online

St. Thomas Becket: A Saint For This Season – Natl Catholic Register

Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas, Visit: -USCCB

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On Christmas Eve, Christians Celebrate The ‘Christmas at Greccio’

Sunday, December 24th, 2023

Christmas at Greccio

(Franciscan Media) What a better way to prepare for the arrival of the Christ Child then to take a brief journey to Greccio, the spot in Central Italy where St. Francis of Assisi created the first Christmas crib in 1223

Francis recalling a visit he had made years before to Bethlehem, resolved to create the manger that he had seen there. The ideal spot was a cave in nearby Greccio. One would find a baby (we’re unsure if it was a live infant or the carved image of a baby) hay upon which to lay him, an ox and a donkey to stand beside the manger. Word went out to the people of the town–at the appointed time, they arrived carrying torches and candles.

One of the Friars began celebrating Mass–Francis himself gave a sermon. His biographer Thomas of Celano recalls that Francis ‘stood before the manger…overcome with love and filled with a wonderful happiness.’

For Francis, the simple celebration was meant to recall the hardship Jesus suffered even as an infant, a Savior who chose to become poor for our sake, a truly human Jesus.

On Christmas Eve, as we pray around the Christmas cribs in our homes, we welcome into our hearts that same Savior.

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An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Saturday, December 23rd, 2023

O God, redeem Israel from all its troubles.
–Psalm (Tehillim) 25:22
Image Courtesy: To Israel with LOVE

Prayer of David for Guidance and Deliverance

“To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust! Do not let me be put to shame, do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for You be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all day long.

Be mindful of Your mercy O Lord and of Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His Covenant and His decrees.

For You name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who are they that fear the Lord? He will teach them the way that they should choose.

They will abide in prosperity and their children shall possess the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him and He makes His Covenant known to them. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins.

Consider how many are my foes and with what violent hatred they hate me. O guard my life and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.

Redeem Israel, O my God,
out of all its trouble.” –Psalm 25:1-22

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings, Visit: -USCCB

Why Pray at the Western Wall? -Chabad.org

Posted in Advent, Christianity, Israel | No Comments »

An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Friday, December 22nd, 2023

“O King of all nations and keystone of the Church,
come and save man whom You formed from the dust!”

God lifts the poor from the dust; From the dunghill,
He raises the pauper, to seat them with princes
and a seat of honor He causes them to inherit.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s and
He placed the world upon them. –1 Samuel (Shmuel) 1:8

Hannah’s Prayer

“My heart rejoices in the Lord, in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies for I delight in Your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God! Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows and by Him deeds are weighed. The bows of the warriors are broken but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children but she who has had many sons pines away. The Lord brings death and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and raises up. The Lord sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are of the Lord’s on them He has set the world. He will guard the feet of His faithful servants but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be broken. The Most High will thunder from Heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed.” Amen! –1 Samuel 2:1-10

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings, Visit: -USCCB

The Story/Song of Hannah -Chabad.org

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An Inspiration Of Time With God For Today

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed the the fruit of your womb, Jesus!” –Cf. Luke 1:28; 42

Mary Visits Elizabeth

Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth, when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaded for joy! Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” –Luke 1:39-45

Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings, Visit: -USCCB

The Angelus Prayer -EWTN

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Today Christians Honor Blessed Pope Urban V – Please Pray For Us!

Tuesday, December 19th, 2023

Pope Urban VBlessed Pope Urban V (1310-1370)

(uCatholic) Blessed Pope Urban V was born Giullaume de Grimoard in France Languedoc, he studied Canon Law and Theology in Avignon becoming a Benedictine Monk and in 1352 he was named Abbott of his Monastery , serving as a papal diplomat and was sent as an Ambassador to various locations–also serving as a Bishop around Italy and throughout Europe.

In 1362 the man elected Pope declined the office, when the Cardinal’s could not find another person among them for that important office, they turned to a relative stranger–the holy person we honor today.

Pope Urban V proved a wise choice, as a Benedictine Monk and Canon Lawyer, he was deeply spiritual and brilliant, living simply and modestly which did not always win him friends among clergymen who become used to comfort and privilege.

Still Pope Urban V pressed for reform and saw to the restoration of the Churches and Monasteries. Except for a brief period, he spent most of his 8 years as Pope living away from Rome at Avignon, seat of the papacy from 1309 until shortly after his death.

Pope Urban V came close but was not able to achieve one of his biggest goals–reuniting the Eastern and Western Churches.

Posted in Advent, Christianity, Saint of the Day | No Comments »

Today Christians Honor Blessed Anthony Grassi, Please Pray For Us!

Monday, December 18th, 2023

Bl-Anthony-GrassiBlessed Anthony Grassi (1592-1671)

(uCatholic) Anthony’s father died when his son was only 10 yrs old but the young lad inherited his father’s devotion to Our Lady of Loreto. as a schoolboy, he frequented the local Church of the Oratorian Father’s, joining the religious order when he was 17

Already a fine student, he soon gained a reputation in his religious community as a ‘walking dictionary’ who quickly grasped scripture and theology. For sometime he was tormented by scruples but they reportedly left him at the very hour he celebrated his first Mass, from that day serenity penetrated his very being.

In 1621 at the age of 29, Anthony was struck by lightning while praying in the Church of the Holy House at Loreto, he was carried paralyzed from the Church expecting to die. When he recovered in a few days, he realized that he had been cured of acute indigestion.  Anthony’s scorched clothes were donated to the Loreto Church as an offering of thanks for his new gift of life. More important, Anthony now felt that his life now belonged entirely to God and each year thereafter he made a pilgrimage to Loreto to give thanks.

Anthony also began hearing confessions and came to be regarded as an outstanding confessor. Simple and direct, he listened carefully to penitents, said a few words, giving a penance and absolution, frequently drawing on his gift of reading consciences. In 1635 he was elected ‘Superior of the Fermo Oratory, he was so well regarded, that he was reelected every three years until his death. Anthony was a quiet person and a gentle Superior, who did not know how to be severe–at the same time, he kept the Oratorian Constitutions literally, encouraging the community to do likewise.

Full biographical article here from Franciscan Media

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