Author name: sanjose

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was born on August 29, 1769 om France. She was born to a wealthy family with both political and financial connections.

In 1780, she studied at a convent and later on entered the Visitation Order in Grenoble. She offered charitable work and took care of the sick as the French revolution broke. Despite the convent closing during this period, she opened a school for homeless children and even helped priests in the underground.

Years later, she joined the infant Society of the Sacred Heart. She eventually rose to the role of a superior and supervisor of the novitiate and a school in only a short span of time. When she was 49 years old, she went on to do missionary work in America. Despite the disappointments and challenges, she founded the first free school for girls in the west of Mississippi.

At age of 83, Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne passed away. She was later on canonized in 1988.

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Kahilwayan Festival

Also known as the Cry of Santa Barbara, Kahilwayan Festival is a social celebration that highlights the Ilonggo’s role in the uprising against Spain. The term Kahilwayan was derived from an Ilonggo expression that implies freedom.

The festival is a retelling of the account of the Cry of Santa Barbara. It commemorates the raising of the Philippine banner by progressive powers in Santa Barbara on November 17, 1898, which signified the beginning of the resistance against Spain. This was critical in the Philippine history as Santa Barbara was proclaimed a National Trunk Site outside Luzon in the Centennial Freedom Trail during the Philippine Centennial Celebration in 1998.

One of the main highlights of the Kahilwayan Festival is the people are dressed in various vibrant outfits and they are out on the streets marching to the tune of Marcha Libertador.

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Psalm 54:4

Verse:

“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” - Psalm 54:4

Prayer For Sustenance

Father, we thank You that Your Word is like a life preserver keeping us afloat when the forceful waves of the sea descend upon us. It stills our fear, sustains us in our darkest hour, and develops godly character as we apply Your words of instruction. Your promises fill us with hope and set our sights on that which will keep us in this life and preserve us for the next. We exalt Your name and give thanks to You for Your unfailing love and Your wonderful deeds. Amen.

Sources:

Original version of the prayer: https://prayerist.com/prayer/sustenance

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Saint Dionysius of Alexandria

St. Dionysius of Alexandria was once the bishop of Alexandria. He had a vision which moved him to convert to Christianity. He then entered a catechetical school and later on became the master of the school.

St. Dionysius was already a bishop during the persecution of Christians from years 250-251. He had to flee to the Libyan Desert. During 257-260, he was exiled due to the Valerian persecution.

He was the Patriarch of Alexandria from December 248 until he passed away on March 264. He was also the 14th Pope.

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2 Corinthians 7:1

Verse:

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” -2 Corinthians 7:1

Prayer For Purification of the Heart

Purify my heart O Lord my God, for I love and trust You and desire to be set apart unto You, in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life. I desire to be holy for You are holy and You have called all Your children to be set apart unto You, and to be refined in the refining fires of Your purifying love and unimaginable grace, so that we may come forth as pure gold in Your sight. Amen.

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Saint Gertrude the Great

Saint Gertrude the Great, also known as St. Gertrude of Helfta, pursued the path of a Benedictine nun as her vocation. She was hailed as a mystic and a great theologian, brought on by her deep relationship with the Lord.

Born on January 6, 1256, St. Gertrude entered the Cistercian monastery school of Helfta when she was only 4 years old. Saint Mechtilde, the sister of an abbess named Gertrude as well, had a close bond with the young Saint Gertrude. It is said that Saint Mechtilde took care of Saint Gertrude and had a great influence on her.
Saint Gertrude practiced “nuptial mysticism” and was known to be one of the great mystics of the 13th century. She showed charity for all classes, both poor and rich. She was a simple person who exhibited deep solidarity for souls who are still being purified in purgatory.

On November 17, 1301, Saint Gertrude passed away. Pope Benedict XIV gave her the title, “the Great”, to differentiate her from Abbess Gertrude. She is the only woman saint to have the title, “the Great”. She is the patroness of the West Indies.

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Ephesians 4:30

Verse:

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” - Ephesians 4:30

Prayer To Remove Sadness

Lord Jesus, thank you that you are the Prince of Peace and you give peace to your people. I ask that you would remove my sadness and replace it with peace and joy. You suffered and died for me, proving your great love. You have paid the greatest price to meet my deepest need and so I can trust you with every other aspect of my life. You are my rock of hope, you were rejected and forsaken so that I will never be rejected or forsaken by you. I ask that I would always trust in you. In your mighty name, Amen.

Sources:

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Saint Albert the Great

Albert the Great was a 13th-century German Dominican who decisively influenced the Church’s stance toward Aristotelian philosophy brought to Europe by the spread of Islam.
Students of philosophy know him as the master of Thomas Aquinas. Albert’s attempt to understand Aristotle’s writings established the climate in which Thomas Aquinas developed his synthesis of Greek wisdom and Christian theology. But Albert deserves recognition on his own merits as a curious, honest, and diligent scholar.
He was the eldest son of a powerful and wealthy German lord of military rank. He was educated in the liberal arts. Despite fierce family opposition, he entered the Dominican novitiate.
He achieved his goal while serving as an educator at Paris and Cologne, as Dominican provincial, and even as bishop of Regensburg for a short time. He defended the mendicant orders and preached the Crusade in Germany and Bohemia.
Albert, a Doctor of the Church, is the patron of scientists and philosophers.

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Saint Albert the Great

Albert the Great was a 13th-century German Dominican who decisively influenced the Church’s stance toward Aristotelian philosophy brought to Europe by the spread of Islam.
Students of philosophy know him as the master of Thomas Aquinas. Albert’s attempt to understand Aristotle’s writings established the climate in which Thomas Aquinas developed his synthesis of Greek wisdom and Christian theology. But Albert deserves recognition on his own merits as a curious, honest, and diligent scholar.
He was the eldest son of a powerful and wealthy German lord of military rank. He was educated in the liberal arts. Despite fierce family opposition, he entered the Dominican novitiate.
He achieved his goal while serving as an educator at Paris and Cologne, as Dominican provincial, and even as bishop of Regensburg for a short time. He defended the mendicant orders and preached the Crusade in Germany and Bohemia.
Albert, a Doctor of the Church, is the patron of scientists and philosophers.

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2 Samuel 22:31

Sources:

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. - 2 Samuel 22:31

Prayer Against Evil on Thoughts

Holy God, I surrender to You my heart and my mind for cleansing. I know You desire for us to love You wholeheartedly and willfully. Keep my mind from evil thoughts. Steer it away from the influences of wicked imaginations. Help me take every thought of mine captive to Your obedience, that I may experience joy in You. Put a hedge of protection around my mind. Help me will my thoughts to dwell on what is good, true, and positive. Amen.

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