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OCTOBER 16
what’s inside live
October: the month of Mary
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Pope Francis WYD address 2016
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Pope Francis St Teresa address 2016
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Living Word
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laugh
Have courage to dream and live deeper
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Media View
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Sixteen quotes by the Saint of Calcutta
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love
St Teresa of Calcutta
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The Rosary
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Novena to Our Lady of Hope
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Examination of conscience
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Graphic Design Catherine Spinks Sponsor St Joseph’s Camperdown Photograph by Artur Rutkowski
Partners Parousia Media Cradio Cover Photography Anne Georg Find out more maximilianmagazine.org
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Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. Mother Teresa –3–
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin. Blessed Mother Teresa
live –5–
OCTO Life Teen Youth Ministry Training Conference Sydney 14–16th October Practical, comprehensive training and spiritual renewal for those working in youth ministry. Creative sessions to choose from led by youth leaders from Australia as well as Life Teen, an organisation whose ministry in the US is only getting bigger and better! Open to all those involved or wanting to be involved in youth leadership between 16-35 from across Australia. CatholicYouthServices.org
Broken Bay Bible Conference 14–15th October A two day conference that will look at the birth and growth of the very early Church, and journey with Peter, Paul and the other disciples as they take the message of Jesus to the wider Jewish and Greco-Roman world. “The Acts of the Apostles: Taking the Gospel to a Wider World” with Dr Michele A. Connolly, RSJ, Dr Laurie Woods, Bishop David Walker and Bishop Peter A Comensoli. www.dbb.org.au
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B R O E The Cor Project presents: St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body with Christopher West 22nd October Join Christopher West for this very special afternoon at the Seymour Centre in Sydney. This is Christopher’s only event of this type in Sydney! Book tickets now! Tickets are only $25 each. CatholicYouthServices.org
LiveLoud Sydney – Couples for Christ 23rd October Liveloud is designed to allow our community members in Couples For Christ to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit through our culture of praise and worship. It is also a gateway to attract and encourage non-community members and non-believers to experience Christ through music. This year’s Liveloud Praise Concert is anchored from Psalm 30:11-12 “You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy. So I will not be silent; I will sing praise to you. Lord you are my God; I will give you thanks forever.” XT3.com
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Photograph by Jake Thacker
Show mercy by building bridges In his address to the young people at the Welcome Ceremony of World Youth Day 2016, POPE FRANCIS calls us to find joy in life by launching ourselves on the adventure of mercy.
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Happiness is sown and blossoms in mercy. That is His answer, His offer, His challenge, His adventure: mercy. Jesus tells us: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy” (Mt 5:7). Blessed indeed are they who can forgive, who show heartfelt compassion, who are capable of offering the very best of themselves to others. In my years as a bishop, I have learned one thing. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing the enthusiasm, dedication, zeal and energy with which so many young people live their lives. When Jesus touches a young person’s heart, he or she becomes capable of truly great things. It is exciting to listen to you share your dreams, your questions and your impatience with those who say that things cannot change. For me, it is a gift of God to see so many of you, with all your questions, trying to make a difference. It is beautiful and heartwarming to see all that restlessness! Today the Church looks to you and wants to learn from you, to be reassured that the Father’s mercy has an everyouthful face, and constantly invites us to be part of his kingdom. Knowing your enthusiasm for mission, I repeat: mercy always has a youthful face! Because a merciful heart is motivated to move beyond its comfort zone. A merciful heart can go out and meet others; it is ready to embrace everyone. A merciful heart is able to be a place of refuge for those who are without a home or have lost their home; it is able to build a home and a family for those forced to emigrate; it knows the meaning of tenderness and compassion. A merciful heart can share its bread with the hungry and welcome refugees and migrants. To say the word “mercy” along with you is to speak of opportunity, future, commitment, trust, openness, hospitality, compassion and dreams. Let me tell you another thing I have learned over these years. It pains me to meet young people who seem to have opted for “early retirement”. I worry when I see young people who have “thrown in the towel” before
the game has even begun, who are defeated even before they begin to play, who walk around glumly as if life has no meaning. Deep down, young people like this are bored… and boring! But it is also hard, and troubling, to see young people who waste their lives looking for thrills or a feeling of being alive by taking dark paths and in the end having to pay for it… and pay dearly. It is disturbing to see young people squandering some of the best years of their lives, wasting their energies running after peddlers of fond illusions (where I come from, we call them “vendors of smoke”), who rob you of what is best in you. We are gathered here to help one another, because we do not want to be robbed of the best of ourselves. We won’t be robbed of our energy, our joy, our dreams by fond illusions. So I ask you: Are you looking for empty thrills in life, or do you want to feel a power that can give you a lasting sense of life and fulfilment? Empty thrills or the power of grace? To find fulfilment, to gain new strength, there is a way. It is not a thing or an object, but a person, and he is alive. His name is Jesus Christ. Jesus can give you true passion for life. Jesus can inspire us not to settle for less, but to give the very best of ourselves. Jesus challenges us, spurs us on and helps us keep trying whenever we are tempted to give up. Jesus pushes us to keep our sights high and to dream of great things. In the Gospel, we heard how Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem, stopped at a home – the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus – and was welcomed. He stopped, went in and spent time with them. The two women welcomed him because they knew he was open and attentive. Our many jobs and responsibilities can make us a bit like Martha: busy, scattered, constantly running from place to place… but we can also be like Mary: whenever we see a beautiful landscape,
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“Yes” launched her on the adventure of mercy. All generations would call her blessed; to all of us she is the “Mother of Mercy”. All together, then, we ask the Lord: “Launch us on the adventure of mercy! Launch us on the adventure of building bridges and tearing down walls, barriers and barbed wire. Launch us on the adventure of helping the poor, those who feel lonely and abandoned, or no longer find meaning in their lives. Send us, like Mary of Bethany, to listen attentively to those we do not understand, those of other cultures and peoples, even those we are afraid of because we consider them a threat. Make us attentive to our elders, as Mary of Nazareth was to Elizabeth, in order to learn from their wisdom. Here we are, Lord! Send us to share your merciful love. We want to welcome you in our midst ... We want to affirm that our lives are fulfilled when they are shaped by mercy, for that is the better part, and it will never be taken from us.M
Photograph by Jez Timms
or look at a video from a friend on our cellphone, we can stop and think, stop and listen… In these days, Jesus wants to stop and enter our home. He will look at us hurrying about with all our concerns, as he did with Martha… and he will wait for us to listen to him, like Mary, to make space for him amid the bustle. May these be days given over to Jesus and to listening to one another. May they help us welcome Jesus in all those with whom we share our homes, our neighbourhoods, our groups and our schools. Whoever welcomes Jesus, learns to love as Jesus does. So he asks us if we want a full life: Do you want a complete life? Start by letting yourself be open and attentive! Because happiness is sown and blossoms in mercy. That is his answer, his offer, his challenge, his adventure: mercy. Mercy always has a youthful face. Like that of Mary of Bethany, who sat as a disciple at the feet of Jesus and joyfully listened to his words, since she knew that there she would find peace. Like that of Mary of Nazareth, whose daring
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St Teresa of Calcutta: ‘Dispenser of Mercy’ In his homily at the canonisation Mass of St. Teresa of Calcutta, POPE FRANCIS encourages us to be inspired by this saint’s life of generosity and mercy to all those around her.
“Who can learn the counsel of God?” (Wis 9:13). This question from the Book of Wisdom that we have just heard in the first reading suggests that our life is a mystery and that we do not possess the key to understanding it. There are always two protagonists in history: God and man. Our task is to perceive the call of God and then to do his will. But in order to do his will, we must ask ourselves, “What is God’s will in my life?” We find the answer in the same passage of the Book of Wisdom: “People were taught what pleases you” (Wis 9:18). In order to ascertain the call of God, we must ask ourselves and understand what pleases God. On many occasions the prophets proclaimed what was pleasing to God. Their message found a wonderful synthesis in the words “I want mercy, not sacrifice” (Hos 6:6; Mt9:13). God is pleased by every act of mercy, because in the brother or sister that we assist, we recognise the face of God which no one can see (cf. Jn 1:18). Each time we bend down to the needs of our brothers and sisters, we give Jesus something to eat and drink; we clothe, we help, and we visit the Son of God (cf. Mt 25:40). In a word, we touch the flesh of Christ. We are thus called to translate into concrete acts that which we invoke in prayer and profess in faith. There is no alternative to charity: those who put themselves at the service of others, even when they don’t know it, are those who love God (cf. 1 Jn 3:16-18; Jas
2:14-18). The Christian life, however, is not merely extending a hand in times of need. If it is just this, it can be, certainly, a lovely expression of human solidarity which offers immediate benefits, but it is sterile because it lacks roots. The task which the Lord gives us, on the contrary, is the vocation to charity in which each of Christ’s disciples puts his or her entire life at His service, so as to grow each day in love. We heard in the Gospel, “Large crowds were travelling with Jesus” (Lk 14:25). Today, this “large crowd” is seen in the great number of volunteers who have come together for the Jubilee of Mercy. You are that crowd who follows the Master and who makes visible His concrete love for each person. I repeat to you the words of the Apostle Paul: “I have indeed received much joy and comfort from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you” (Philem 1:7). How many hearts have been comforted by volunteers! How many hands they have held; how many tears they have wiped away; how much love has been poured out in hidden, humble and selfless service! This praiseworthy service gives voice to the faith and expresses the mercy of the Father, who draws near to those in need. Following Jesus is a serious task, and, at the same time, one filled with joy; it takes a certain daring and courage to recognse the divine Master in the poorest of the poor and those who are cast aside, and to give oneself in their service. In order to do
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Photograph by Evan Schneider so, volunteers, who out of love of Jesus serve the poor and the needy, do not expect any thanks or recompense; rather they renounce all this because they have discovered true love. And each one of us can say: “Just as the Lord has come to meet me and has stooped down to my level in my hour of need, so too do I go to meet him, bending low before those who have lost faith or who live as though God did not exist, before young people without values or ideals, before families in crisis, before the ill and the imprisoned, before refugees and immigrants, before the weak and defenceless in body and spirit, before abandoned children, before the elderly who are on their own. Wherever someone is reaching out, asking for a helping hand in order to get up, this is where our presence – and the presence of the Church which sustains and offers hope – must be”. And I do this, keeping alive the memory of those times when the Lord’s hand reached out to me when I was in need. Mother Teresa, in all aspects of her life, was a generous dispenser of divine mercy, making herself available for everyone through her welcome and defence of human life, those unborn and those abandoned and discarded. She was committed to defending life, ceaselessly proclaiming that “the unborn are the weakest, the smallest, the most vulnerable”. She bowed down before those who were spent, left to die on the side of the road, seeing in them their God-given dignity; she made her voice
heard before the powers of this world, so that they might recognise their guilt for the crime of poverty they created. For Mother Teresa, mercy was the “salt” which gave flavour to her work, it was the “light” which shone in the darkness of the many who no longer had tears to shed for their poverty and suffering. Her mission to the urban and existential peripheries remains for us today an eloquent witness to God’s closeness to the poorest of the poor. Today, I pass on this emblematic figure of womanhood and of consecrated life to the whole world of volunteers: may she be your model of holiness! I think, perhaps, we may have some difficult in calling her “Saint Teresa”: her holiness is so near to us, so tender and so fruitful that we continue to spontaneously call her “Mother Teresa”. May this tireless worker of mercy help us increasingly to understand that our only criterion for action is gratuitous love, free from every ideology and all obligations, offered freely to everyone without distinction of language, culture, race or religion. Mother Teresa loved to say, “Perhaps I don’t speak their language, but I can smile”. Let us carry her smile in our hearts and give it to those whom we meet along our journey, especially those who suffer. In this way, we will open up opportunities of joy and hope for our many brothers and sisters who are discouraged and who stand in need of understanding and tenderness. M
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Psalm 118
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his mercy endures forever. Let Israel say: his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Aaron say, his mercy endures forever. Let those who fear the LORD say, his mercy endures forever. In danger I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is with me; I am not afraid; what can mortals do against me? The LORD is with me as my helper; I shall look in triumph on my foes. Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one’s trust in mortals. Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one’s trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me; in the LORD’s name I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side; in the LORD’s name I cut them off. They surrounded me like bees; they burned up like fire among thorns; in the LORD’s name I cut them off. I was hard pressed and falling, but the LORD came to my help. The LORD, my strength and might, has become my saviour. The joyful shout of deliverance is heard in the tents of the righteous:
“The LORD’s right hand works valiantly; the LORD’s right hand is raised; the LORD’s right hand works valiantly.” I shall not die but live and declare the deeds of the LORD. The LORD chastised me harshly, but did not hand me over to death. Open the gates of righteousness; I will enter and thank the LORD. This is the LORD’s own gate, through it the righteous enter. I thank you for you answered me; you have been my saviour. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. LORD, grant salvation! LORD, grant good fortune! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God and has enlightened us. Join in procession with leafy branches up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, I give you thanks; my God, I offer you praise. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his mercy endures forever. – 14 –
Photograph by Samantha Sophia
Living Word
His
mercy
endures forever – 15 –
We are not a sum of our
weaknesses and failures,
but of the Father’s love for us. St Pope John Paul II – 16 –
laugh – 17 –
I am amazed by the number of people nowadays merely existing rather than living. Regardless of age, ethnicity, social status and religion, people seem to be forgetting more and more the true meaning of the word “life”. Life is commonly and superficially used to denote a period of existence, for example, the life of a mobile phone is 18 months; the life expectancy in Australia is 82 years. Despite all the advancement of technology and the sciences, human life still cannot be explained by them. Why is there life? Where does life come from? Why was I created? None of these questions seem to have a comprehensive scientific answer. In fact, scientifically, they will never have an answer. These questions, however, are extremely important questions. Knowing the purpose of objects helps us to best use them. We need the right tool for the right task. The same applies to life. One definition of the term ‘life’ from Dictionary.com is “the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction, and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally.” According to this definition, life is about growth, adaptation, and changes that begin from within. Life isn’t static, it moves.
During a homily at WYD in Poland, Pope Francis challenged us to have courage to dream, and to not live on the surface. He reflects on Zacchaeus in Lk 19:1-10. Zacchaeus, a dishonest and detested tax-collector, encounters Jesus, and this encounter changes his life. This encounter with Jesus, affirms Pope Francis, can still change our lives daily. Of course, there are so many obstacles for this encounter to bring changes. God loves infinitely. Yet this love is not like the love we are used to. His love is not affected by the clothes we wear, the phone or car we have, nor by the mistakes we have done or still do. Francis reminders us that “God loves us the way we are, and no sin, fault or mistake of ours makes him change his mind”. I encounter so many people with plenty of wealth, but empty inside; people surrounded by other people, but profoundly lonely; people holding high and important positions, but in their private lives they have extremely low self-esteem and doubts about their own value. There are so many people wearing masks when meeting other people. They post great and happy photos on Facebook and Instagram when in reality they are sad and miserable. Pope Francis says “Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love which also demands sacrifice. Say a firm
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Photograph by Dustin Lee
Have courage to dream and live deeper
God has given you unique talents, and a unique heart
to dream.
“no” to the narcotic of success at any cost and the sedative of worrying only about yourself and your own comfort. Don’t stop at the surface of things; distrust the worldly cult of appearances, cosmetic attempts to improve our looks.” Don’t stay on the surface. Go deeper! Listen more to God and less to social media that takes you away from the One who created and loves you like no one else. He knows your heart. Jesus said “I am the gate. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they [whoever enters through the gate] may have life, and have it in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock” John 10:9-12. There are plenty of “hired hands” who abandon the sheep, and wolves who steal, kill and destroy. But don’t be afraid to dream again! God has given you unique talents, and a unique heart to dream. Life comes from within, from the unique dream He has placed into your heart. If we seek life outside, we remain empty. If the superficialities of this world take priority in our hearts, true life cannot grow.
Encouraged by Pope Francis, each morning we should pray: “Lord, I thank you for loving me; I am sure that you love me; help me to be in love with my own life! Not with my faults, that need to be corrected, but with life itself, which is a great gift, for it is a time to love and to be loved.”Amen. Your brother,
Antonio Moura
If you have any questions, you can email Antonio at antoniolandell@gmail.com.
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sixteen quotes
Saint of Calcutta by the
You can pray while you work. Work doesn’t stop prayer and prayer doesn’t stop work. It requires only that small raising of the mind to him: I love you God, I trust you, I believe in you, I need you now. Small things like that. They are wonderful prayers.
Kind words are short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless
T
This is the meaning of true love; to give until it hurts.
I always begin my prayer in silence, for it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks. God is the friend of silence – we need to listen to God because it’s not what we say but he says to us and through us that matters.
T
T
Be the living expression of God’s kindness: Kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.
T
T
Mary showed complete trust in God by agreeing to be used as an instrument in his plan of salvation. She trusted him in spite of her nothingness because she knew he who is mighty could do great things in her and through her.
Every time you smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
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Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent. If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed you will not be discouraged. If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal.
The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace.
T Whatever you do for your family, for your children, for your husband, for your wife; you do for God.
T
Peace begins with a smile.
To forgive takes love. To forget takes humility.
T
T God speaks in the silence of the heart, listening is the beginning of prayer
Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.
T
T Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin. – 21 –
If you want to make peace, you don’t talk to your friends; you talk to your enemies.
Photograph by Hieu Le
MediaView
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Behold your Mother by Tim Staples, brought to you by Parousia Media A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines
From the cross, Jesus gave us his mother to be our mother, too: a singularly holy model, consoler, and intercessor for our spiritual journey. Yet too many Catholics don’t understand the role that God wants her to play in our lives. In Behold Your Mother, Tim Staples takes you through the Church’s teachings about the Blessed Virgin Mary, showing their firm Scriptural and historical roots and dismantling the objections of those who mistakenly vChrist alone. Combining the best recent scholarship with a convert’s in-depth knowledge of the arguments, Staples has assembled the most thorough and useful Marian apologetic you’ll find anywhere. He also shows how all the Marian doctrines are relevant — even essential — to a salvific faith in Jesus. From her divine maternity to her perpetual virginity, from her Immaculate Conception to her Assumption, the Church’s core teachings about Mary are intertwined with the mysteries of Christ. In a word, Mary matters.
The Secret of Mary by St Louis de Montfort, an extract Here is a secret, chosen soul, which the most High God taught me and which I have not found in any book, ancient or modern. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, I am confiding it to you, with these conditions: (1) That you share it only with people who deserve to know it because they are prayerful, give alms to the poor, do penance, suffer persecution, are unworldly, and work seriously for the salvation of souls. (2) That you use this secret to become holy and worthy of heaven, for the more you make use of it the more benefit you will derive from it. Under no circumstances must you let this secret make you idle and inactive. It would then become harmful and lead to your ruin. (3) That you thank God every day of your life for the grace he has given you in letting you into a secret that you do not deserve to know. As you go on using this secret in the ordinary actions of your life, you will come to understand its value and its excellent quality. At the beginning, however, your understanding of it will be clouded because of the seriousness and number of your sins, and your unconscious love of self. Before you read any further, in an understandable impatience to learn this truth, kneel down and say devoutly the Ave Maris Stella (“Hail, thou star of ocean”), and the “Come, Holy Spirit”, to ask God to help you understand and appreciate this secret given by him. – 23 –
Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.
St Gregory the Great – 24 –
love – 25 –
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Photograph by Evan Shneider, UN photo
LIVES OF THE SAINTS
St Teresa of Calcutta
“Let us not use bombs and guns to overcome the world. Let us use love and compassion” by SAMANTHA GIANNA Small in stature but great in love and mercy, Saint Teresa of Calcutta was born on August 26th, 1910 in Skopje, Macedonia. Baptised as Gonxha Agnes, she was the youngest child in her family. She received her First Communion at the age of five and a half. When Agnes was around eight years old, her father died suddenly and her mother was left to alone to raise the family. It was her mother who fostered her daughter’s religious vocation, as well as the Jesuit parish of the Sacred Heart where Agnes was very involved. At the age of eighteen Agnes felt the desire to become a missionary. She then joined the Sisters of Loreto at the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ireland. This is where she received the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In 1929, she arrived in Calcutta where she made her First Profession of Vows in 1931. She taught there at St. Mary’s School for girls where she eventually became the principal. In 1937, Sister Teresa made her final profession of vows. An eventful train ride in 1946 transformed the direction of Sister Teresa’s vocational journey. On the train ride to her annual retreat, she received an “inspiration” which she explained to be a “call within a call”. Jesus expressed to her His sorrow at the neglect of the poor both spiritually and physically. He asked her to establish the Missionaries of Charity which would be dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor. This call was discerned and tested before it was given permission nearly two years later. In 1948, she left the convent in Loreto and began her life among the poor. She began her day with the Eucharist and then visited families in the slums and looked after the sick of all ages. Her toes became mangled because of her choice of the wearing the worst fitting shoes as a form of sacrifice. She willingly suffered ridicule as she would beg for food for children. The new congregation of the Missionaries of Charities was established in 1950 in the Archdiocese of Calcutta. In 1965, Pope Paul VI encouraged her to open a house in Venezuela. She eventually opened
houses in every continent. Mother Teresa also founded the Missionaries of Charity Brothers, the contemplative branch of the Sisters, the Contemplative Brothers and the Missionaries of Charity Fathers. In 1982, Mother Teresa while in Beirut, pleaded with Our Lady for a ceasefire during the civil war in order to rescue abandoned children from the streets. On the eve of the feast of the Assumption, a ceasefire was granted and Mother Teresa was escorted to an abandoned Islamic orphanage where she rescued around 60 disabled children who had been abandoned by staff during the attacks. Mother Teresa didn’t care about glory in this life, even when her works became publicised and she received many awards. She received these, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for the glory of God and in the name of the poor”. She was considered a hero in the eyes of many, especially those who saw the impact she had on the world, but until her death no one knew the extent of her great courage and numerous spiritual battles. One of which was when her interior life with God was marked by a painful feeling of being separated and rejected from God. This “dark night of the soul” lasted from the time she began working for the poor until her death. Rather than despair in this lack of consolation, Mother Teresa grew closer to God as this mystical experienced allowed her to share in Jesus’ longing for love. In her final years she had almost 4000 religious sisters established across 123 countries. Her final weeks were spent in ill health while living in Calcutta. On 5 of September she entered into eternal life. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003. In 2015, Pope Francis approved her second miracle and on September 4th, 2016 she was canonised. During the canonisation, Pope Francis described her as “a generous dispenser of divine mercy, making herself available for everyone through her welcome and defence of human life, those unborn and those abandoned and discarded”. M Feast Day 5 September
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The Rosary PAUL ELARDE It has been said that next to the Holy Mass, the Rosary is the worlds’ most powerful prayer. Why is the Rosary prayer so powerful? Well, firstly because we call upon Mary’s intercession and that alone has tremendous power. But also because the Rosary includes reflecting upon key scriptures that allows God to penetrate our hearts and minds. We can’t love someone if we don’t know them. The scriptures in the Rosary teach us to know and therefore fall in love with Jesus and Mary. Sometimes we hear people complain that the Rosary is too repetitious. But it’s the repetition aspect that makes it so powerful! It’s because we know the prayer by heart that it allows us to lose ourselves in the meditation. We are able to keep our prayer going while our heart and mind journey into the Scripture and/or, the words of the prayer itself. And as we hold each bead, we are able to allow ourselves to get lost in the meditation, yet at the same time, keep a structure by means of the beads. It’s this dimension that makes the Rosary prayer more powerful than simply praying or reflecting on the scriptures alone. Another interesting aspect that makes the Rosary prayer so powerful is that it contains a high degree of praise within the prayers. Praise is important because it gives God the honour that is due to Him as our Creator and loving God. It nurtures in us humility and declares the ultimate truth that God is God and I am a mere creature. It gives God thanksgiving for His great love for us and His many gifts, and reminds us of the high cost Jesus and Mary suffered because of their love for us - a totally selfless and unconditional
love. Suffering so extreme that the innocent lover is prepared to suffer all for the beloved, even death! When we pray prayers of praise, it repels Satan because he hates to hear the name of Jesus and Mary praised, and it opens our hearts to experience great joy and happiness. So if you feel burdened by the problems of life, pray the Rosary and be conscious of the words of praise within the prayers. Say them with meaning, praying those words from the heart and persevere until you experience joy in your prayer. For St John Paul II, his love and devotion to Mary was so real and important to him, that his motto and papal coat of arms bore the words ‘Totus Tuus’ – which translates as ‘Totally Yours’ Mary. And St John Paul once said: “The Rosary is my favourite prayer. A marvellous prayer! Marvellous in its simplicity and its depth...Against the background of the words Ave Maria the principal events of the life of Jesus Christ pass before the eyes of the soul.” St John Paul was often seen with the Rosary in his hands. He even added the luminous mysteries to the long tradition of the Holy Rosary. St John Paul always included a prayer to Mary at the conclusion of his talks and writings and through his involvement of the unfolding secrets of the Fatima apparitions, St John Paul was acutely aware of the importance of the role of Mary throughout the times in which we are now living and how crucial Mary’s role is now and will develop in regards to the future of the Catholic Church and indeed for the whole world. Let us imitate the great saints and enter into the mystery and gift that Jesus has given us through His Mother. M
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Novena to Our Lady of Hope I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me all that desire me and be filled with my fruits (Sirach 24:24-26). O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Grace, Hope of the world. Hear us, your children, who cry to you Let Us Pray O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her admonition, we may obtain the favours we devoutly implore. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Prayer to Our Lady of Hope O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me. The knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every sort. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that instead of longing for Heaven I am filled with dread at the thought of death. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful with your Divine Son. He can refuse no request of your Immaculate Heart. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His throne. O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not you? Obtain for me, then, O Mother of Hope, the grace of true sorrow for my sins, the gift of perfect resignation to God’s Holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross and follow Jesus. Beg of His Sacred Heart the special favor that I ask in this novena. (Make your request) But above all I pray, O dearest Mother, that through your most powerful intercession my heart may be filled with Holy Hope, so that in life’s darkest hour, I may never fail to trust in God my Saviour, but by walking in the way of His commandments I may merit to be united with Him, and with you in the eternal joys of Heaven. Amen. Mary, our Hope, have pity on us. Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us. (Pray three Hail Marys)
Sacrament of Penance: Examination of Conscience FATHER JOHN TRIGILIO In the Sacrament of Penance the Faithful who confess their sins to a Priest, are sorry for those sins and have a purpose of amendment, receive from God, through the absolution given by that Priest, forgiveness of sins they have committed after Baptism, and at the same time they are reconciled with the Church, which by sinning they wounded. (Canon 959) Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and fear the pains of hell, but most of all, because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and worthy of all my love. I firmly intend with the help of Thy grace to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen Examination of Conscience I. “I am the Lord, thy God, thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.” Have I sinned against Religion by seriously believing in New Age, Scientology, Astrology, Horoscopes, Fortune-telling, Superstition or engaging in the Occult? Did I endanger my Catholic Faith or cause scandal by associating with anti-Catholic groups & associations (e.g., the Freemasons)? Have fame, fortune, money, career, pleasure, etc. replaced God as my highest priority? Have I neglected my daily prayers? II. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Have I committed blasphemy by using the name of God and Jesus Christ to swear rather than to praise? Have I committed sacrilege by showing disrespect to holy objects (crucifix, rosary) or contempt for religious persons (bishop, priests, deacons, women religious) or for sacred places (in Church). Have I committed sacrilege by going to Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin without first going to confession e.g., after missing Mass on Sunday or a Holyday? Did I violate the one-hour fast before Communion? Did I break the laws of fast and abstinence during Lent? Did I neglect my Easter duty to receive Holy Communion at least once? Have I neglected to support the Church and the poor by sharing my time, talent and treasure? III. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day. Did I miss Mass on any Sunday or Holyday of Obligation? (Bad weather and being sick do not count) Have I shown disrespect by leaving Mass early, not paying attention or not joining in the prayers? Did I do unnecessary work on Sunday which could have been done the day before? Have I been stingy in my support for the Church? Do I give of my time & talent? – 30 –
IV. Honor thy Father and Mother. Parents: Have I set a bad example for my children by casually missing Mass, neglecting prayer, or ignoring my responsibility to provide a Catholic education by either sending my children to parochial school or to C.C.D. (Religious Education Program)? Do I show little or no interest in my children’s faith and practice of it? Have I showed disrespect for those in authority, government or church? Have I not expressed my moral values to them? Children: Have I been disobedient and/or disrespectful to my parents or guardians? Did I neglect to help them with household chores? Have I caused them unnecessary worry and anxiety by my attitude, behavior, moods, etc.?
comfort override my duty to God, to Church, to my family or my own spiritual well-being? VIII. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Have I told a lie in order to deceive someone? Have I told the truth with the purpose and intention of ruining someone’s reputation (sin of detraction)? Have I told a lie or spread rumors which may ruin someone’s reputation (sin of calumny or slander)? Did I commit perjury by false swearing an oath on the Bible? Am I a busybody or do I love to spread gossip and secrets about others? Do I love to hear bad news about my enemies? Used with permission from EWTN
VI. Thou shalt not commit adultery. IX. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife. Did I have any sex before or outside of marriage? Do I view pornographic material (magazines, videos, internet, hot-lines)? Have I gone to massage parlors or adult book stores? Did I commit the sins of masturbation and/or artificial contraception? Have I not avoided the occasions of sin (persons or places) which would tempt me to be unfaithful to my spouse or to my own chastity? Do I encourage and entertain impure thoughts and desires? Do I tell or listen to dirty jokes? Have I committed fornication or adultery? VII. Thou shalt not steal. X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods. Have I stolen any object, committed any shoplifting or cheated anyone of their money? Did I knowingly deceive someone in business or commit fraud? Have I shown disrespect or even contempt for other people’s property? Have I done any acts of vandalism? Am I greedy or envious of another’s goods? Do I let financial and material concerns or the desire for – 31 –
Photograph by Sebastian Unrau
V. Thou shalt not kill. Did I consent, recommend, advise, approve, support or have an abortion? Did I realise that there is an excommunication for anyone who procures an abortion? Did I actively or passively cooperate with an act of euthanasia whereby ordinary means were stopped or means taken to directly end the life of an elderly or sick person? Have I committed an act of violence or abuse (physical, sexual, emotional or verbal)? Have I endangered the lives of others by reckless driving or by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Do I show contempt for my body by neglecting to take care of my own health? Have I been mean or unjust to anyone? Have I held a grudge or sought revenge against someone who wronged me? Do I point out others’ faults and mistakes while ignoring my own? Do I complain more than I compliment? Am I ungrateful for what other people do for me? Do I tear people down rather than encourage them? Am I prejudiced against people because of their color, language or ethnic-religious background?
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