Author name: sanjose

Saint Andrew the Apostle

Saint Andrew the Apostle, as his title suggests, was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. His brother, Simon Peter – most known as St. Peter– was also a disciple. The brothers were fishing when Jesus approached them and asked them to become his disciples.

Saint Andrew was mentioned multiple times in the Gospels. There was an account that he was the one who informed Jesus Christ about boy with the loaves and fishes. He was also present at the last supper.

He was martyred through crucifixion in Patras. Based on the Acts of Andrew, he was bound to the cross instead of being nailed to it. And the cross was in an X-shape (“saltire”) as per St. Andrew’s request. It is believed that he was unworthy to be crucified the same way as Jesus’ cross.

He is the patron saint of Scotland and Russia.

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Saint Brendan of Birr

Saint Brendan of Birr, also known as St. Brendan the Elder, was one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland. He was one of the early Irish monastic saints and was considered as one of the chief prophets of Ireland.

He studied at the monastic school at Clonard Abbey under St. Finian. He became a monk and later on founded a monastery, where he served as the abbot. He was known for his sanctity and spirituality.

He also attended the synod of Meltown wherein he helped defend St. Columba during the trial. Due to his assistance, St. Columba received a more lenient sentence. They eventually developed a friendship which led to the connections between Birr and the Columban foundations.

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Joshua 1:9

Verse:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

Prayer For Courage To Face The Future

Heavenly Father, the struggles and difficulties of life seem to be swirling all around me like a misty fog in the blackness of night, and at times I just don’t know which way to turn. Give me the courage to take my eyes off the difficulties of life and to unreservedly anchor my faith in You. And Lord, from this day forward, as I step out into the unknown future, may I have the courage to put my hand into Your hand and not to fear, knowing that You will never fail me nor forsake me. Thank You, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Sources:

Original version of the prayer: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayer-for-Courage

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Saint Catherine Labouré

Saint Catherine Laboure was born on May 2, 1806. When she was 9 years old, her mother passed away and she was left with the responsibility of caring for their household. She was the ninth out of 11 children.

Saint Catherine has always been extremely devout. She eventually became a member of St. Vincent’s order. Then later on entered the Daughters of Charity.

She was visited by the Blessed Mother more than once regarding her mission. The second time the Blessed Mother visited her, an image was shown to her which she was ordered to show to the father confessor. When this was told to the Archbishop, he immediately ordered 2,000 medals to be made with this image.

Saint Catherine passed away at the age of 70. Her body was found to be incorrupt. She was later on beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1933 and canonized on 1947. She is the patron saint of the elderly, infirmed people and the Miraculous Medal.

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First Sunday of Advent

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Is 2:1-5

This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz,
saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come,
the mountain of the LORD's house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come and say:
"Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths."
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4,4-5,6-7,8-9

Response– Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R– Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R– Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R– Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R– Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Because of my brothers and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R– Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

 

Second Reading: Rom 13:11-14

Brothers and sisters:
You know the time;
it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;
the night is advanced, the day is at hand.
Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light;
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,
not in orgies and drunkenness,
not in promiscuity and lust,
not in rivalry and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Alleluia: Ps 85:8

Alleluia, alleluia.Show us Lord, your love;
and grant us your salvation. Alleluia, alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 24: 37-44

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

 

Jesus said to his disciples:
"As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

The Readings and Gospel were sourced from:

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Luke 10:20

Verse:

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - Luke 10:20

Prayer For Obedience To God

Heavenly Father, in glorifying Jesus and sending us your Spirit, You open the way to eternal life. May my sharing in this Gift increase my love and make my faith grow stronger. Send Your Spirit to cleanse my life so that the offering of myself to You at Mass may be pleasing to You. May my sharing in the Eucharist, our Bread of Life, bring me eternal life.

Sources:

Original version of the prayer: https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=739

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Saint James Intercisus

Little is known about the life of Saint James Intercisus. There’s not much account of how he lived, the date of his birth was even unknown. All that is known is that he was born in Persia.

Saint James Intercisus acted as a military officer as well as adviser to King Yazdegerd I during a time wherein Christians were being persecuted by the said king. It was said that he renounced his faith to survive while he was working for the king. However, during the reign of the king that succeeded Yazdegerd I, St. James Intercisus confessed his Christian faith.

Saint James Intercisus was sentenced to death due to this. He died a slow and painful by being cut up to pieces, which actually translates to his name “Intercisus”.

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Isaiah 28:29

Verse:

“All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. ” - Isaiah 28:29

Prayer For Making Plans

Loving Father, only you know my end from the beginning. Nothing I do or say catches you by surprise. You know what is in my heart, good or bad. Everyone around me is choosing to do things their way, and it is very tempting for me to do so too. But Father God, I want your will to be done in my life. If it is not your will for me to take this path, then Father, give me divine strength to accept and to follow your lead. May every decision I make be pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, I believe and pray.  Amen.

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Saint John Berchmans

Saint John Berchmans was born on March 13, 1599. He is the eldest among five children and their father was a shoemaker.

He wanted to join the Society of Jesus but many people were opposed to this. People, including his father, dissuaded him from pursuing this path. However, in 1616, he still entered the Jesuit novitiate. Two years later, 1618, he was able to make his first vows. In 1621, Berchmans was selected to participate in a discussion at a Greek College. While he was there, he fell ill.

He passed away on August 13, 1621. A large crowd gathered to view his remains for days.

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