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SEPTEMBER 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 tonight.
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 MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 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
The Good Pope St. John XXIII St. John XXIII
Sotto il Monte was a small country village in the valley of Alps in Italy, and the name meant ‘at the foot of the mountains’. People who lived there were mostly poor farmers. Angelo, was born to Giovanni Roncalli and Marianna as the fourth of their thirteen children. The house where Angelo was born was called the “palazzo” but it was not much like a palace; the large family shared the ground floor with their cows. They were poor but happy with their lot and confident in the help of divine providence. When a beggar appeared at their kitchen door, Angelo's mother always welcomed him, and seated the stranger alongside them. Roncalli family was very pious and hardworking. Children also worked along with their parents to meet the needs of the large family. Even as a little boy, Angelo used to help his parents in the fields. 4
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The family had no luxuries, and they found their happiness in being together, sharing with each other and accepting the shortcomings of one another. From a very young age, the children used to accompany their parents for daily mass, and were attentive during the church services. They neither played nor slept during their family prayer but fervently participated. Angelo's school was two hours away from home and he had to start early in the morning and came back only by late evening. At home studies were done in candle light. Angelo’s first memory of childhood was of a pilgrimage to a local shrine, the Madonna delle Caneve. By the time his pregnant mother arrived at the shrine on foot, carrying her two youngest and leading the other three, aged 4, 5, and 6, the church was full and they could not get inside. But that did not deter Marianna, who
lifted the children up one after the other to look through the window. “My mother lifted me up,” Angelo recalled, “and said, ‘Look, Angelino, look how beautiful the Madonna is. I have consecrated you wholly to her.’”As a boy, Angelo loved his mother dearly who taught him his first poem, about the Blessed Mother. About his father he wrote in his journal: "My father is a peasant who spends his days digging and hoeing...and I am worth much less, for my father is at least simple and good, while I am full of malice." Angelo desired to become a priest right from his childhood. At the age of 11, he shared his dream with his father. It came as a surprise to his father; yet he did not decline his son’s desire. But he never knew from where he would find money for the preparations to join the seminary. Angelo’s mother found a solution to this. Marianna went to many houses requesting for their help and thus collected money
for this purpose. Many years later he wrote to his parents, “Ever since I left home, I have read many books and learned many things. But what I learned from you remains the most precious and important, and it sustains and gives life to the many other things I learned later in so many years of study and teaching.” He became a priest - Fr. Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli at the age of 23. Fr Roncalli was very creative and always had fresh ideas. He started publishing the parish activities in the form of bulletin. He was never idle and always said that humility and meekness are the most important virtues in the lives of priests. Later as a Bishop, Cardinal and Pope he led a humble and down to earth life. When he became Pope, he took the name John XXIII. The historic Second Vatican Council was called by him. When, as pope, he was first carried into St. Peter's Basilica
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on his grand sedia gestatoria, the portable papal throne, he recalled a time in his childhood when he was carried on his father’s shoulders: "Once again I am being carried... More than seventy years ago I was carried on the shoulders of my father at Ponte San Pietro... The secret of life is to let oneself be carried by God and so carry Him to others." Pope John XXIII had a special affection and consideration for children. He wrote in his book – “Oh, Children, what a great treasure and blessing!” While he was addressing the crowd in St Peter’s Square on the eve of the Second Vatican Council, he did not forget to mention about children. “When you reach home, hug your children and say that this is Pope’s embrace. Are there tears in their eyes? Wipe the tears and console them. Let them know that this Pope is with them in their sadness and bitterness.” Pope John used to visit prisons often. During one such visit, a murderer asked him, “Does your consoling message apply to terrible sinners like me too?” The Pope did not answer 6
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that question. Instead he embraced and kissed him. Another prisoner drew a picture of the Pope. He was expecting to give the picture to the Pope when he came near his cell. The Pope passed by his cell, but he could not give the picture. The prisoner was disappointed. This incident was reported in the newspaper and the Pope came to know about this. Soon he sent a person to the prison with apology and received the picture. He desired to live a holy life right from childhood. He wrote in his journal: “I will never try to express my knowledge while talking. I will not try to justify my activities. The focus of my thoughts and love will be the Eucharist. I promise and vow to my beloved mother Mary that I will not allow thoughts and actions that will spoil the divine virtues in me”. He fulfilled this promise throughout his life. On 3rd June, 1963 Pope John XXIII was called to eternal life. He was canonized by Pope Francis on 27 April, 2014. Let us all seek the intercession of Pope St John XXIII to become saints by leading a life of humility and meekness.
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(Sam's selections of stories from the lives of Saints)
It is Martin's 9th year at the friary. He is dearly loved by all people in and around the friary. Let us continue the story.
After a few days As the Friary was in deep financial debt, the Prior started selling the treasured items Martin, all these years, you were of the friary in order to meet their daily with us as a servant boy. Now, needs. One day, Martin notices the Prior I have decided to promote you as preparing to go out with a painting in his a lay brother. From today onwards, hand, with the intention of selling it. Martin you will be a member of the kneels before him and pleads with him. Dominican order. Please don’t sell this precious painting; sell me instead. People pay more money for a healthy slave who can work hard
I am not worthy of this honor. Please allow me to continue as a servant boy.
No one can put a price on your faithful heart, Martin. Don't worry about the financial debt. God will take care of us. SEPTEMBER 2014
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But, the Prior finally persuaded him and Martin took the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and becomes a member of the Dominican order.
Martin continued his chores as a servant, but now with his consecrated hands.... Every day after quickly finishing his breakfast, Martin would run to the back door of the Friary with a small basket filled with bread. One day, Lord, please bless and multiply this food that it might be sufficient for all gathered here.
Everyone has their fill. There are leftovers too. Martin gives thanks to God for this miracle.
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Days passed by. A lot of healings and miracles were taking place as a result of Martin's prayers. Brother Martin, we were waiting for you. Brother Thomas passed away an hour ago. Before dying, he had called for Brother Martin several times.
Let us prepare the body for the funeral. Arrange for new vestments for the body.
Martin prays before the crucifix for some time..Then,
Brother Thomas, Brother Thomas, please wake up
Brother Thomas is awake and is having his food.
Praise be to God.
In our sufferings and trials, let us ask for the intercession of St. Martin de Porres. Let us meet next month with more stories of our saint. Till then, Bye!
TO BE CONTINUED... SEPTEMBER 2014
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O Jesus... Just you and me Dear little friends, we all know that friendships can grow stronger and deeper only when we are able to meet our friends and chat with them on a regular basis. How happy are we, when we get to meet our good friends! And just think of all the topics that we chat about! Now, shouldn't our bond with God be stronger than our bonds with our friends? In a day that has 24 hours, shouldn't we spare at least a few moments to sit with Jesus and talk to him? Jesus is a fun person to 10
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be with and he loves our company. He gets excited when we reach out to him in all things. He loves to hear about our thoughts, our dreams and even our friends. We can also share our troubles, disappointments, and shortcomings with him. This is called Personal Prayer and it is simply talking to our God. We can talk to Jesus as if we are talking to our best friend. Can we spare half an hour daily to be with our God? Let us set a fixed time for this
with the help of our parents. We shall now think about what we can do during this time. We can begin by greeting Jesus ( should be able to hear his reply too). Then, let us take some time to thank our God for all the blessings that He has showered upon us. This act is called Praise and Thanksgiving. Do you know that in heaven, the angels are praising God all the time? After the praise, we can offer our five sense organs (eye, ear, nose, tongue and skin) to the Lord. Let us surrender our eyes to the Lord and pray "Lord, bless me to see all things the way you see them. May I only see good things today. St. Therese of Child Jesus, pray for me." Let us surrender our ears to the Lord and pray "Lord, bless me to hear today, only what you desire me to hear. St. Dominic Savio, pray for me." Let us surrender our tongue to the Lord and pray "Lord, sanctify my tongue that I may use it only to proclaim
you and speak good. St. Maria Goretti, pray for me." Let us surrender our nose to the Lord and pray "Lord, with every breath I take, may I be filled with the love of God. St. Agnes, pray for me." Let us surrender our skin to the Lord and pray "Lord, sanctify my skin that everything I touch and everything that touches me may be according to your will. St. Germaine, pray for me." Now, we can make a sign of the cross on our eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin and pray "Lord, cleanse my sense organs with your Precious Blood and sanctify me. Dear Holy Spirit, take complete control of me today. Dear Mother Mary, I offer myself to your Immaculate Heart." Then, read a passage from the Holy Bible. After this, don't forget to offer our love to the Holy Trinity. "My dear Father in heaven, I love you. Jesus, my dear brother, I love you. Holy Spirit, my best friend, I love you. Muah ... Muah ... Muah ..." SEPTEMBER 2014
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u t t i K Mittu
Kittu, I saw Joseph leaving the temple after the festival celebrations. I didn't see Jesus with him. Maybe, he is with Mary.
I did see Mary, but not Jesus...
Look... our Jesus is there in the Temple. Let's go and see.
The Messiah would have been born by now. If we go with the That's not true. Where is prophecy, he was born the peace promised through a little more than the coming of the Messiah? 10 years ago. Aren't we seeing more uprisings and revolts now?
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What Gamaliel said is right!
Who are you?
What is your name?
I am Jesus of Nazareth
I am an Israelite son, who has come to fulfill what the Law specifies. Okay, son. On what basis are you saying so? I am saying this on the basis of the prophecies. Didn't the prophets say that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem? Yes. That's what I was referring to.
Are you implying that the Messiah was born at the time of the sighting of the star?
Didn't the wise men from the east visit Bethlehem after seeing the star? But child, even if he was born, he wouldn't be alive now. Though you are filled with wisdom, don't you know that all the children of two years and under, in and around Bethlehem were put to the sword by King Herod?
Don't you remember Elijah being taken up in a chariot of fire? He who parted the Red Sea in front of Moses, won’t He be able to save HIS Immanuel? SEPTEMBER 2014
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Child, you speak well. The Spirit of God is with you.
After three days of travel, when Joseph and Mary meet...
Isn't he with you?
Where is Jesus?
Don't worry. We'll go back and enquire in the Temple. They hurry back to the temple and there, If only everyone would they find Jesus. imitate Joseph and Mary who Son, why did you do searched for their lost child this to us? Didn't you without getting angry and know that your father and blaming each other.... I were worried and searching for you? Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s work?
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TO BE CONTINUED... SEPTEMBER 2014
St. Mary
- My Mother
When I had to stay away from home for my studies, it was very hard for me to leave my mother. I had never been so far away from her before. I missed her terribly and longed for her presence. One day I rang up my Jesus youth Elder and shared this distress, that I couldn't help my feeling, and wanted to give up everything and return home. As she couldn't find an immediate reply she said she would call me back. I felt helpless and sad. However within a few minutes she returned my call, after praying for me. She said" Why are you worrying when your Heavenly Mother is with you? She is constantly interceding on your behalf and would never leave you alone ". After hearing these words I prayed, offering myself to Mother Mary. I felt the presence of mama Mary next to me and could feel her consolation. This was enough for me and all my worries were lifted. I have felt the undeniable presence of my Blessed Mother at several other occasions as well. I firmly believe that it was by her protection that I was able to stay away from home for two years and complete my studies. Gloriya, Ernakulam SEPTEMBER 2014
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YOUCAT 102 CCC 618
Why are we too supposed to accept suffering in our lives and thus "take up our cross" and thereby follow Jesus? When Christian are confronted with unavoidable suffering, it can become meaningful for them if they unite their sufferings with the sufferings of Christ. Child
: Grandma, you seem to be very happy in spite of your fever and headache. Are you uniting your sufferings with the sufferings of Jesus, like you always tell us to? Grandma : Yes, dear. When we show our love for Jesus by suffering without complaining, we help many others. Child : But grandma, how would that help others? Grandma : Let me explain. There are many people in this world who suffer for no fault of theirs. You have heard about such people in the newspaper and on television, haven't you? Child : Yes, grandma. But is it possible for us to lessen their suffering? Grandma : Definitely. As Christians, we have the responsibility to do that. It is only the love of Jesus that can turn their sufferings into joy. Child : When we unite our sufferings with those of Jesus, they become united with the redeeming love of Christ. Isn't that right, grandma? Grandma : Yes dear, thus they became part of the divine power that changes the world for the better. Child : Yesterday when I scraped my knee, I screamed in pain. But from now on, without complaining or getting angry, I will tell Jesus, "Jesus I love you. Unite my pain with your sufferings." 16
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SEPTEMBER 1-6 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32) Ejaculation: Lord give me the grace to discern the truth.
SEPTEMBER 7-13 Our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20) Ejaculation: Lord help me in getting into the heavenly kingdom.
SEPTEMBER 14-20 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence (Galatians 5:13) Ejaculation: Lord strengthen me to resist the temptations of this world. SEPTEMBER 20-27 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 corinthians 3:17) Ejaculation: Lord enkindle me with your holy spirit. SEPTEMBER 2014
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I can't wait to celebrate the birthday of our Blessed Mother.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF OUR BLESSED MOTHER MARY Did you buy this dress for the birthday?
Where are Maretta and Joanna? Didn't we plan to gather at 5pm? Yes, do you like it?
When Aunt Julie who is in Africa came last week, she told me about the kids who are starving there. When I heard it, I thought it is better to get a reasonable priced dress and give the rest of my allowance to her, to help those kids.
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I think they'll be soon here
You said you'd buy a lacha, how come you bought a dress instead?
You did a very good thing. This dress suits you very well.
It looks like everyone has arrived... See, more of your friends are coming.
Remember, O Most gracious Virgin Mary....
Mom, Maretta and Joanna have come. So let's now pray together.
Happy B'day to you... Happy B'day to you... Happy B'day dear Mother Mary... Happy B'day to you...
On September 8th won't you also celebrate the B'day of our Blessed Mother? SEPTEMBER 2014
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