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ARMY
March 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 MAGAZINE MARCH 2014
God is my father, I am God's son I have a right to
all of God's blessings.
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
Star of Siena
Saint Catherine of Siena loved Jesus so much from her childhood. Her father was a famous painter in their city. Catherine was the youngest one in their big family of 25 members. She was so sweet and adorable for neighbors also. Siena City was having a specialty that Children born in Siena City were especially dedicated to Mother Mary. Child Catherine was also brought up as Mother Mary's kid. She was so interested to hear about Jesus and Mother Mary from her parents and siblings. She learned "Hail Mary‌" in her early age and used to recite it whenever she struggled to climb the steep steps of her house. 4
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"Jesus, I am your child keep me safe in your hands" Catherine used to pray like this. One day Catherine slipped from the stairs and when her mother ran towards her, she was shocked to see Catherine was in the hands of angels from heaven. Catherine used to talk to Jesus a lot and she vowed to give her whole life to God Catherine's love towards Jesus developed day by day. She started to sacrifice her wishes and interests for the sake of Jesus. She used to give a part of the sweets to her brother, which was made by her mother. Her custom of giving away food and clothing without asking anyone's permission cost her family significantly but she demanded
nothing for herself. She happily accepted all of her sorrows and shares it with Jesus. According to the custom of Italy, when she reached 12 years, marriage proposals were started for her. Catherine resisted the accepted course of marriage and motherhood, on the one hand, or a nun's veil, on the other. Everyone ignored her interest of being with God. Her parents thought that idle mind is what is making her to take these decisions, and they gave more and more work to her. Catherine was happily doing the complete work given to her even if she was tired. She visualizes the people around them as Mother Mary and the disciples of Jesus, she never felt bad when they scold her By staying in their midst, she could live out her rejection of them more strongly. She did not want their food, referring to the table laid for her in Heaven with her real family Seeing her interest and love towards prayer, Catherine's father has given her a small room in the house. When Catherine prays, she feels the presence of God in the room and she talks to him. She committed to God that she will
take up any sacrifices in the name of God, but as a return she request for God's love the eternal love. Catherine was poor in her studies. She always feels sad that she couldn't read the Holy Bible and understand it more to know Jesus. Then she prayed to Jesus and made Jesus as her "Teacher", and she tried to study herself. As a miracle, she was able to study faster and she concentrated in learning the Bible. She chose to live an active and prayerful life outside a convent's walls following the model of the Dominicans. She faced all her sufferings very boldly and with pleasure. MARCH 2014
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(Sam's selections of stories from the lives of Saints)
Friends, It is the time for Exam. Let us ask for Kochuthresia's help in our studies and exams. My prayers. Shall we continue with the story of Kochuthresia
Therese, get ready fast. Our Bishop will be here today. Papa has taken permission to meet him�
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Little Flower and her Papa before the Bishop. Ok my dear, you yourself tell him
Your Excellency, I would like to join the Carmelite Convent. I've had this wish since I was a child. Please permit me
Okay, I'll think about it. Martin,I do understand your girl's desire. But this is the first time I am meeting a father who is so keen about offering his daughter to the Lord
Oh dear me, you are only 15. Stay for some more time with your Dad. Even he will be happy about it. Once you are grown-up you can join the Convent and become a nun
Your Excellency, she is really serious about it
Your Excellency, she even put up her hair and tied it into a bun so that she looks older than her age. Ha Ha
May God bless you. Be joyful Therese. God will make a way
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For those who seek happiness only in the Lord, this house will feel like Heaven. My dear little Therese, don't cry. God knows your desire. He will intervene at the right time
Kids fighting among each other I want!
I took it first! Give it to me!
Okay then, the one who yields, will get a reward in Heaven. If you want the reward, give in
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Celin, who's here?
Reached home Remember the relative of our cook who died recently? It's her daughter. You must take care of her, okay?
Now, come here dear children.
Good girl. Every time you give in like this or give up things that you like, you'll be storing up rewards for yourself in Heaven. Plus Jesus will be so happy too
Whenever we yield, people think we are defeated and are backing out, but in reality what great inner joy we experience when we give in, isn't it? But God knows, and we know, the secret, isn't it,Kochu? Few days back I was tempted to take the bigger one, then suddenly remembered what you had told me. So I took the smaller one. And all this is being recorded in Heaven, isn't it Celin?� Had these lessons on holiness been etched in the minds of all kids....
Okay, I surrender
After a few days.... Yes of course dear
Let's practice the example of Kochuthresia and share our experience with our brothers and sisters
MARCH 2014
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Abba, my Abba Dear Angels' Army friends, can you guess which really is our home? And who truly is our Dad? You may be wondering what strange questions are being asked. Well, to understand the meaning of these questions, listen to an incident in the life of St.Cyril when he was a little boy. St.Cyril was a young boy 10
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who got martyred in the 3rd century. Since childhood he had heard a lot about Jesus. He experienced the love of God very deeply and became a Christian. When his father heard about his conversion he tried his level best, both by coaxing and by chastising, to make him give up Christianity. But to no avail. Finally his dad told him to leave the house.
Soon, he was brought before the judge. "I will kill you!", shouted the judge. But his threats did not bother the young Cyril. So the judge calmed down and said, "Look here my little boy, if you are ready to give up Christ and go home, I'll set you free. Aren't you the benefactor of the enormous wealth of your father? Isn't it stupidity to forego all this for the sake of this religion? Unmoved, the boy answered, "I am not sad that I have had to leave my house. I have another house, a house that gives me indescribable, eternal joy. That is my true home, there lives my real Father" He was then shown the fiery furnace into which they intended to throw him unless he gave up Christianity, after which he was brought back before the judge. Yet his faith seemed to have strengthened even more. Seeing that nothing affected his firm decision, they decided to subject him to the fire. The flames leaped high. The boy, our Cyril approached the furnace, and standing near the fire he prayed for a while. Then he looked up towards Heaven
and smiled. In a loud voice he gave thanks for this valuable blessing, the opportunity to die a martyr so that the Church prevailed and Christians grew in unwavering faith. He looked happily in the direction of the Christians standing there. Seeing their eyes brimming with tears Cyril consoled them. "You should be happy at my victorious journey", he told them. "If only you knew the wonderplace to which I am going, and to whom I am going, you wouldn't be crying thus. My dear brothers and sisters I am going to my own house, to meet my real Father. I will be safe in my Father's arms, because He will keep me within the palms of His hands. Then why should you be saddened? You are also the children of this Father. So take courage" At a very young age Cyril recognised his real Father and his real home. This realisation makes it easy for one to forgo the comforts of this world. Dear friends, let us also recognise our Abba Father. Like Cyril, let us also declare His unfailing love to the world. Abba, my Father. Heaven, my home. Boney Chellanam MARCH 2014
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u ttu KittM i
Do you see that star?
Yes, I do. Seems to have a unique radiance and looks as if it's quickly heading for some place. Let's go see!
O look camels and kings! They are pursuing that star. Let's follow them.
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Since it's night time, there's no one around to see the star. There the star stops above that house. So, this is the Saviour's house.
We will go now and come back in the morning to worship the baby.
Early morning. The three kings reach Mary and Joseph's home. They offer gold, myrrh and frankincense.
Mittu, let's also stay around here. We can see what happens tomorrow.
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We noticed a special star in the sky. On studying about it, we understood the message 'The Saviour is born'.
On reaching Jerusalem, we could no longer see the star. We went to Herod's palace and inquired. Upon learning that it was in Bethlehem that the Saviour was born, we continued on our journey. And then we spotted the star. That star stopped right above.
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We are from three different lands. Each of us saw this star and started following it from our own land and we happened to meet at one place. It was divine intervention indeed that helped us, who speak different languages, to understand each other.
Mother, do tell the baby about us.
Mary gently takes the baby's hand, as if to bless. Our Lord God, our Saviour !
The kings as well as the shephered were able to find baby Jesus, isn't it? That is right. If we seek God with a pure heart surely we can find Him
Psalms for students • The Lord is my teacher, I shall not want. • He teaches me all subjects; • He leads me beside still waters of knowledge; • He clears all my doubts. • He fills me with his wisdom and leads me in the path of knowledge;Even though I face the toughest exams, I will not fear; For you are with me; • Your word and Your promises - they strengthen me. • Even the hardest subjects you make easy for me. • You anoint my head with wisdom; • My answer sheet overflows with correct answers. • Surely the grace to learn shall follow me All the days of my student life. • And I shall always be the loyal student of Jesus-my teacher MARCH 2014
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YOUCAT 491 CCC 2652, 2653
Can you learn to pray from the Bible? The Bible is like a well spring of prayer. To pray with the word of God means to use the words and events of the Bible for one's own prayer. "To be ignorant of scriptures is to be ignorant of Christ" (St. Jerome) kid Nani kid Nani kid Nani
kid Nana kid
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: Nana, today's exam was cool. I wasn't scared a bit today because I prayed just as you told me to. : You prayed using the Bible verse? : Yes nani, I kept repeating "Fear not I am with you". Nani, is the whole Bible filled with prayers? : Yes, since many years thousands of people around the world have been praying with Bible verses. Jesus always prayed reciting the Psalms. : Didn't you tell me that He recited Psalm 22 when He was on the cross? : That's right. Did you know that the "Our Father" and "Hail Mary" that we pray every day are also Bible verses? As the entire Bible is written about Jesus, He'll be with us whenever we say a bible verse. : Nani, that means that I can always be with Him whenever I pray .Isn't it? : Absolutely, for that you should read the Bible daily and memorize the verses. : I've decided to read the Bible everyday and memorize the verses.
MARCH 2014
March (2-8) Luke 2:40 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him. Ejaculation : O Holy spirit, Fill me with thy wisdom
March (9-15) Psalm 119:24 Your instructions give me pleasure; they are my advisers. Ejaculation : O Jesus, bless me to obey You
March (16-22) John 1:12 Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. Ejaculation : Jesus I believe in You
March (23-28) Isaiah 59:21 And I make a covenant with you: I have given you my power and my teachings to be yours forever, and from now on you are to obey me and teach your children and your descendants to obey me for all time to come. Ejaculation : Holy Family, Keep our home in purity.
MARCH 2014
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Julio, Anju and their 5 Children
Have you all taken Psalms… Let's start with Johan.
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. ..
Did you notice that word of God? "Whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-- whatever they do prospers….(Psalm 1: 23)
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Let's close our eyes and repeat the word of God we just read.
What happens to the tree which is planted near streams of waters? It will always get water…
Its leaves never wither.
True, if we read, study and meditate on God's word regularly we will be transformed and become stronger personalities
Daddy, do you know my friend Joel? While playing ball Bibin kicked him .He fell down and his leg got injured bit badly.
When teacher came and lifted him up he was weeping with pain .Still he was saying I'm fine, nothing had happened. Joel studies word of God every day.
Yes Irene, I do see while playing he whispers the word of God . You know how soon he forgives, and doesn't have grudge towards anyone. Let us also start studying Word of God, right daddy?
Yes, my son Daniel. If Word of God is there in our heart, it will come out alive when we are in need of it. When all get amazed about it, we know the secret!! Its God's word that has become flesh !!.
MARCH 2014
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ARMY
March 2014
ESHFireAHEBAH of Love ANGELS ARMY FAMILY GATHERING 2014 Families, Parents & Children, come together for a family retreat where separate programs are held for parents & children (according to their age group). Programs are arranged in 6 regions. For details contact the respective persons. 1. Kannur
May 16-19
Regional Pastoral Lina : 9495466524 Centre, Padannakkad
2. Palakkad
April 25-27 Senai Retreat Centre, Mundoor
Wilson: 9497252303
3. Trichur
May 9-12
PACCS Irinjalakukda
Joby : 9747237792
4. Ernakulam
May 16-18
Vimaljyothi Renewal Centre, Aluva
Swapna : 9349205088
5. Kottayam
May 8-11
Parithrana Retreat Centre Adichira
Bobachen : 9446202481
6. Thiruvananthapuram
May 1-4
Canosian Convent Vettuthura
Lilly : 9447154184
To get Angels Army Magazine by Post Send us your address and phone number or SMS the detail to the following number 8891585850, 9349205088
www.angelsarmy.in