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AUGUST 2014
PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL O my dear guardian Angel, protect me from all dangers. Help me, so that I may remain a beloved child of my Jesus. Safeguard me from all dangers and bad dreams in this night.
PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL, THE ARCH ANGEL St. Michael the Arch Angel, be our guide and our guard during the time of our spiritual warfare. Protect us from the evil designs of Satan, our enemy. We humbly pray that God rebuke him. O chief of the heavenly army, expel all the wicked spiritual forces that roam the earth with the intention of destroying souls. Drive them to the fires of hell by the power of God.
ANGELS ARMY MONTHLY MAGAZINE AUGUST 2014
Editor Sunil Elias Executive Editor Mary Martin Executive Manager Sinjo P.K. Editorial Board Fr. Cherian Nereveettil, Renny Njarakulam, Preetha Joseph, Martin Jose, Rose, Mini Wilson, Justin Printer & Publisher Jose Dominic Layout : Diason D’Silva
ANGELS ARMY
Patrons Bishop Mar Raphael Thattil (Chairman, Charismatic Commission, KCBC) Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Karikkassery (Charismatic Commission, Vice Chairman, KCBC) Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios (Charismatic Commission, Vice Chairman, KCBC) Spiritual Advisor Rev. Fr. Varghese Manavalan Advisory Board : Rev. Fr. Justin Kaiparambadan, Sr. Sergius, Dr. Edward Edezhath, Baby Chacko, Boney Chellanam Animator Rev. Fr. Abraham Pallivathukal S.J. Jesus Youth, Emmaus, H.M.T.Colony P.O. Kalamassery-683503, Kochi, Kerala Ph: 0484 6444702. Email: info@angelsarmy.in www.angelsarmy.in
Mama's Kunjackochan
becomes a Saint Kuriakose was born on Feb
10th, 1805 into the Chavara family in Kuttanad. He was the third son of Kuriakose and Maria. His mother used to fondly call him Kunjackochan. Maria had great devotion to Mother Mary. She used to wake up at midnight to pray the Rosary. Kunjackochan used to wake up along with her. He used to lean close to his mother who was on her knees, listening to her pray. And he would fall asleep in that position. Thus, at a very early age, he learnt all his prayers by heart. Every year, his mother would take him on a pilgrimage 4
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to the Shrine of Our Lady in Vechoor. She had a special reason for doing so. When he was an infant, he had been pledged to be a servant of Our Lady of Vechoor, also known as VechoorMuthi. His mother used to renew that pledge every year. Kunjackochan had the firm conviction that he was Mother Mary's own son and always used to speak of her as "My Mother." At the age of 5, he started attending the village school(Kalari) where the teacher who is known as the Asan taught him Malayalam, Tamil and Sanskrit. He studied
there till the age of 10. He treated his parents,teachers and all elders with great respect. Sincerity and punctuality were his best friends. With a great desire to be an altar boy, he learnt all the difficult Syrian prayers by heart. Every day, he used to reach his parish early in the morning, though it was quite far from home. The sight of little Kuriakose carrying the thick book used for the Mass and with great devotion, accompanying the priest to the altar was amusing in the eyes of everyone. It was the altar service that inspired him to become a priest. Everyone at home and in his village were very fond of him. When Kuriakose was 10 years old, Fr.ThomasPalackal happened to visit a house next to the Chavara home. In order to show the priest the way to his relatives' house, Kuriakose and his elder brother accompanied him in a little boat. On the way, Kuriakose recited all the Syrian prayers and liturgical prayers that he had learnt by heart. Hearing this, Father understood that Kuriakose has a vocation to become a priest. Before leaving, Father mentioned this to Kuriakose's parents. Though it was unbearable for them to part with their little boy at such
a young age, they said Yes to the will of God. Though Kuriakose was the youngest in the seminary, he excelled in studies and in lived a holy life. While he was there, there was an outbreak of a severe epidemic in his village which claimed the lives of his parents and his brother. After this, his relatives pursued him to discontinue his studies and return home. But trusting in Mother Mary, he refused to do so. He was ordained a priest at the age of 24. He became a famous preacher. Touched by his sermons, many people repented and started leading holy lives. Fr.Kuriakose Chavara was always on the move. Along with Fr.Palackal and Fr.Porukara, he founded a monastery in Mannanam. That was the origin of the Carmelites of Mary (CMI) congregation. He also founded the CMC congregation for women. He had a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. There have been several experiences in his life to prove that trusting in the power of the Eucharist is the solution to all our troubles. While work was going on for building the printing press at Mannanam, they were facing financial struggles. Father Kuriakose spend hours praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. When he came out, AUGUST 2014
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a man was standing there with a donation of 500 chakram. He said he would hand over 500 chakram(an old copper coin) more if some one could accompany him to collect it. As a result of Father's tireless efforts, the St.Joseph Press was founded in Mannanam. That's where the "Deepika" newspaper was born. When he was appointed the first Vicar General of the Syro Malabar Church, he introduced a system called "a school along with every church" (pallikkoodam) thus making learning to read and write 6
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accessible to all. Children from all communities were provided education. Free books, clothes and lunch were distributed to the poor students. The money obtained through collection of alms and "pidiyari" was used for this. The collection of "pidiyari" (handful of rice) was a huge success. Every Christian family was given a utensil. Every day, before preparing rice for lunch, one handful of rice had to be set apart and put into this utensil. The prayer to be recited while doing this had also been taught to every family. The utensil was collected back at the end of every month. Father used to consider the Rosary as a very powerful weapon. He insisted that the Rosary be recited in every house. He described the Rosary as "The Bible strung on a thread." Imitating Father Chavara who lived and died holy in our own land of Kerala, let us do all things well, placing our trust in God. Blessed Father Chavara left for his heavenly abode on the 3rd of January,1871.
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(Sam's selections of stories from the lives of Saints)
Martin became famous as an excellent medical practitioner within a span of just 3 years. He was the hope and pride of his parents. But...can you guess what was his desire? Okay, I'll tell you...
"Jesus, I wish to live a humble life and die a humble death like yours. I offer myself as a servant in the Dominican priesthood."
"Son, I appreciate your desire, but we just can't afford to hire a help now as we are in financial debt". "I don't ask for any wages. It will do if you just allow me to have the leftover food"
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Martin started working in the Ashram, joyfully doing all the small menial jobs there. He would finish his work quickly and run back with the leftover food, to the street where he lived.
Martin had a heart full of mercy even for the animals, as the following incident proves. "I am going to kill all the rats here! They I admit it was have nibbled at all my mistake, the clothes kept in so I will solve the cupboard. this problem.
My friend, you can stay here in the Ashram with your friends and i will go and stay in the storehouse. I will daily bring your food for you."
From that day onwards all the rats went to stay in the storehouse. The rats were no longer a trouble.
Oh I feel so sad about my leg, I may die soon. Please get out of my room! I don't want to see anyone!
I have never ever seen such a happening before Martin seems to have the power to perform miracles even among animals 8
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Fr.Peter had a deep wound in the leg. There was pus in it. The doctors had advised that the leg be amputated.
Father, look what i prepared for you. Your favourite dish. Wow, this is yummy! Father, will you taste a I've never tasted such little and see? a delicious curry ever before. Martin dear, please do prepare this again tomorrow also, will you?
After a few hours....
Martin, Martin! Look, the wound on my leg has healed! The swelling has also gone. It was you who did it.
Oh no Father, God loves you so much, that's why He healed you so quickly and miraculously. Let's thank Him. Let's follow the example of St.Martin. like him let's humble ourselves and gladly perform works of mercy for our brethren. Let's also intercede to him for this Grace. Okay then, goodbye my dear friends, will meet you again next month with more on St.Martin. Until then... TO BE CONTINUED... AUGUST 2014
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A Helper in Sufferings We shall begin with a story. Once upon a time, a clutch of eggs were sitting together and chatting. They were sharing their troubles, difficulties and short comings. One of the eggs said, "Why did we have to be created in such a wierd shape? We cannot even sit firmly in one spot."Another one said, "Why did we have to be white in colour? It would have been so much better if we had a 10
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colour that wouldn't get dirty so easily." "If only our shells were a little tougher," said a third one. "Being so delicately thin, we break and fall apart at the slightest tap." All of them were hopeless. Thoughts about what they did not have were making them woeful. A hen, who was listening to their conversation, came to them and said, "Do not be disheartened. If you do as I tell you, I can give you life.
For twenty-one days, you should stay snuggled up under my wings." Many of the eggs came forward willingly and did as the hen told them to, even though they were discouraged and ridiculed by the rest. Yet, some of the eggs that came forward couldn't hold on for more than a few days - they complained and came out from under the wings - only to turn out to be rotten eggs. Those that persevered and stayed on for all twenty-one days hatched and became beautiful chicks. Friends, this is a very meaningful story. There are many who, like the eggs, dwell with desperation on their shortcomings (sufferings). But those eggs that were willing to accept their hardships and stayed under the protection of the hen's wings received life. We will face sufferings and hardships in life. If we grumble about them and not remember the plans that God has for us, we will turn out like the rotten eggs. Whereas if we humble ourselves under the mighty hands of God, we
will be filled with blessings. It is God himself who helps us to be humble during adversities God, our Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is with us, always ready to help us with anything. If we remember this, we will not fall apart in our trials. "Holy Spirit, my Helper......" is a prayer that should always be there on our lips, so that the Spirit will be alive in our hearts. Dear friends, when we do not get what we want, when sicknesses come our way, when we do not have enough money, when we are unable to go for picnics, no matter what comes our way, remember - Holy Spirit... our God... dwells in us.... We shall not be afraid, we shall not be weary. "Holy Spirit.... my Helper.....". AUGUST 2014
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u t t i K Mittu
Kittu, Is there any function here? Everyone seems to be busy.
Oh that? Mittu, Our child Jesus completed age of 12. He is being presented in the temple to be examined by Teachers of Law.
Joseph, Mary and Mary- wife of Alphaeus, all are at Nazareth. Son, Let the good Lord bless you in abundance.
As they reached Temple, Joseph and Jesus goes to the place permitted only for Gents.
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Here is my son. He has completed the age of 12. He should live as per the law of Israel. Please examine him.
Alright. Son, come here!! What is your name?
I am Jesus - Son of Joseph of Nazareth.
Do you know how to read? Certainly Rabbi. I can read, not just the sentences , but also the hidden meanings in the sentences.
I mean- A pearl inside the shell remains hidden. Thus I can understand What do the meaning hidden you mean? behind the verses.
Clever answer. You are lucky to have such a son. They gave Jesus a scroll. Read this.
As Jesus reads he bows down as he pronounce � LORD� AUGUST 2014
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Who taught you this? And why do you bow your head often?
Hey Man! You should educate your son under Gamaliyel. He will become a great scholar. He is very talented.
At synagogue. They cut his hair. Joseph placed his hands over Jesus in Prayer and blessed him.
Because that name is holy. This name is to be pronounced only with respect. How can one not bow in the presence of the king of kings and the lord God of Israel?
Your child is perfect. Even for the trickier questions his answer was perfect. We will take him to synagogue.
Mittu, Did you hear about the wisdom of our Jesus? Teachers of law were astonished when Jesus explained the word of God.
Kittu, What an amazing wisdom. Still why don’t they understand that he is our savior? 14
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Do you know Maria? In the city of Hiroshima in Japan.... 12 days passed since the disastrous Atom Bomb exploded. The sight of demolished buildings and burnt human bodies scattered all around was dreadful. A few priests and nuns walked among the heaps of destruction, searching for a pulse of life....for someone in need of their prayers and help. On a sudden, they found a small girl. Her body except her head and hands are under a concrete slab. A nun went near and flashed some water on her head and her face. After a while she whispered,”Water, Water”. That nun shed water in drops into her mouth. She opened her mouth to utter, “I am Maria.”Sister asked, “My Child, How come you survive so many days in this situation?”. She replied, “On that day when this disaster happened, I had just received the Holy Eucharist in Holy Mass. I sustained so many days with the power of that Eucharist.” Her eyes turned towards a priest. “Father, I have one last desire. I would like to receive Jesus. And then I can happily go to Heaven”. The priest took the host, blessed it and gave to Maria. With lot of difficulty she received it. Without complaints, without cursing her fate, courageously she went to heaven taking hold of the hands of Jesus. (An excerpt From the dairy note of a sister who witnessed this incident.) AUGUST 2014
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YOUCAT 337 CCC 1987-1995 2017-2020
How are we saved? No man can save himself. Christians believe that they are saved by God, who for this purpose sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world. For us, this is what salvation means......a life in the God's presence. Child
: Grandma, our parish priest said that the word 'Jesus' means 'God saves'. Who all did God save, Grandma? Grandma : God saved the entire mankind from the dominion of sin. Child : How exactly did God save us? Grandma : I will explain. Let me ask you this first - how did your little kitten fall in the well yesterday? Child : While playing on my lap, she suddenly ran off and unknowingly fell into the well.Poor thing, she cried so much! I too couldn't help crying. Grandma : Sometimes this happens to us too. We are called to stay close to God. But when we become disobedient, we fall into the pit of sin. Well, tell me - when your kitten fell in the well, why did you cry? Child : Because I love my kitten so much. I knew she couldn't help herself out of the deep well. Finally papa got down into the well and rescued her. Grandma : Falling into sin is like falling into a deep well. We cannot help ourselves out. We need God to help us in order to be reconciled and become worthy of heaven. Child : I think I understand..... Because of His love for us, Jesus showed us mercy. He came into this world as a human, and gave His own life in order to save us from our sins. From now on, I will not leave His side. I love you, Jesus.
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AUGUST 3-9 His Word... "But the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Mark 13/13b) Our Response... 'Lord, teach me to endure'
AUGUST 10-16 His Word... "Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial" (Mark 14/38a) Our Response... 'Jesus, help me to overcome temptations'
AUGUST 17-23 The Word... "Truly, this man was God's Son!" (Mark 15/39b) Our Response... 'Jesus, i am your child'
AUGUST 24-30 His Word... "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation" (Mark 16/15) Our Response... 'Oh Lord, help me to live the Gospel.
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Tomy, Lissy and their six children....
BIBLE STUDY
Papa, I gave a copy of the Angels' Army magazine to Michelle. They have also now started Bible Study at their place.
Mark 13/8b 'This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.'
Son, we need not worry our heads over the end of the world. When I die, my world automatically comes to an end, and we do not know how many years each one of us is going to live, isn't it?
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Mmm, good girl. Okay, now let's begin today's study.
Papa, is the end of the world nearing? The other day I heard Chinnu and Minnu say so
But Papa, doesn't the Bible tell us to be alert always?
Yes ofcourse my dear son, we have to live watchfully always
Papa, my classmates were saying that very soon the Mullaperiyar Dam will burst. All of us groaned in fear as we talked about it.
At first, even I was scared, but then i remembered that nothing would happen without God's knowledge and permission. Even if we die, we will go to Heaven, right? Isn't that what the two of you, Papa and Mama, have told us?
Uncle Biju always cleans up his room whenever he leaves it. He says he does it because he cannot be sure whether he will return to the room or not.
Yes, yes my son. Any day we will also leave this world and go to our Eternal Home. So lets live this life vigilantly.
Good, let's also live like that, reading the Bible and partaking in the Sacraments, thus remaining alert and prepared always, like the wise virgins in the Bible. Okay my dear children?
OK
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ARMY
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