HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! :-D

oops, the picture is kinda blurry....Anyway, before I forget like last time, I want to wish everyone a Happy new year!!! May the upcoming year be a joyful one!!! :-D

Feastday of the Holy Family

Dear Lord, bless our family. Be so kind as to give us the unity, peace, and mutual love that You found in Your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

Saint Joseph, bless the head of our family. Obtain for him the strength, the wisdom, and the prudence he needs to support and direct those under his care.

Mother Mary, bless the mother of our family. Help her to be pure and kind, gentle and self-sacrificing. For the more she resembles you, the better will our family be.

Lord Jesus, bless the children of our family. Help them to be obedient and devoted to their parents. Make them more and more like You. Let them grow, as You did, in wisdom and age and grace before God and man.

Holy Family of Nazareth, make our family and home more and more like Yours, until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with You. Amen.

National Catholic Rural Life Conference

source

St. Stephen

But he, filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them"; and when he said this, he fell asleep. - Acts 7:55-60

Yesterday we celebrated the birth in time of our eternal King. Today we celebrate the triumphant suffering of his soldier. Yesterday our king, clothed in his robe of flesh, left his place in the virgin's womb and graciously visited the world. Today his soldier leaves the tabernacle of his body and goes triumphantly to heaven.

Our king, despite his exalted majesty, came in humility for our sake; yet he did not come empty-handed. He gave of his bounty, yet without any loss to himself. In a marvelous way he changed into wealth the poverty of his faithful followers while remaining in full possession of his own inexhaustible riches. And so the love that brought Christ from heaven to earth raised Stephen from earth ot heaven; shown first in the king, it later shone forth in his soldier. His love of God kept him from yielding to the ferocious mob; his love for his neighbor made him pray for those who were stoning him. Love inspired him to reprove those who erred, to make them amend; love led him to pray for those who stoned him, to save them from punishment.

Love, indeed, is the source of all good things; it is an impregnable defense, and the way that leads to heaven. He who walks in love can neither go astray nor be afraid: love guides him, protects him, and brings him to his journey's end.

My brothers, Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven. Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity, give one another practical proof of it, and by your progress in it, make your ascent together. -from a sermon by Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe

Source

St. Stephen, the first martyr who died praying for his prosecutors, help us to love our enemies just like our Lord taught to us. Amen.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Have a very very blessed and merry Christmas everyone!!!!!! :-D

St. John of the Cross

"O you souls who wish to go on with so much safety and consolation, if you knew how pleasing to God is suffering, and how much it helps in acquiring other good things, you would never seek consolation in anything; but you would rather look upon it as a great happiness to bear the Cross of the Lord." -Saint John of the Cross

Born in poverty at at Fontiveros, Spain, John (1542-1591) cared for the sick and the poor in a hospital Medina. He became a lay Carmelite brother at age 21, and was ordained at the age of 25. Saint Teresa of Avila persuaded him to reform the Carmelite order, and he took the name John of the Cross. He later became the master of novices, spiritual director and confessor at Saint Teresa's convent. Some of his brothers did not approve of his reform, and he was ordered to go back to Medina. John refused and was imprisoned at Toledo, Spain. After nine months of staying there, he escaped. He later became a great contemplative and spiritual writer, and wrote the book, Dark Night of the Soul, a book of poems.

He was beatified on the 25th of January in the year 1675, by Pope Clement X
and canonized on the 27th of December, 1726, by Pope Benedict XIII

Eight things meme

Tagged by Sr. Anne at Nunblog! Thanks!! :-)

The rule is that you have to list eight random things about you, and when you're finished, tag eight other bloggers.
I've done this before (can't remember when though) but I'll do it again and give some different or maybe unknown answers. ;-D



1. I have a wonderful ohana!!!!! :-D Okay, well that's not really unknown, but I just thought it would be nice to post it here. But it was random! hehe...

2. I tell my little brother stories about the saints to make him behave in Church on Sundays. Well, it works!! He loves the story about St. Joan of Arc!! At least something good comes out of reading about them. ;-)

3. You know that DDR (Dance, Dance Revolution) game? (The one with the pads with arrows on it) Yeah, I have a friend who has that game and I can really play it well....or so some of my friends say. ;-) lol! I can only play basic!

4. I play the violin but I'm really not good at it....that's because one of the strings (the E string) snapped when I was trying to tune it...hehehe....;-)

5. My whole family and I are Pauline Cooperaters!!! :-D

6. I like to take pictures with a camera, but I don't really like being taken in the picture by myself for some reason.....

7. It hasn't even been a year yet, but I really like blogging!!! So much fun!!!

8. When some of the older teens in our group are at a meeting or at a fieldtrip, I usually stay with the little kids. Even if I could join the older teens! I just like playing and taking care of the little ones...haha! It pays off too! (but don't tell them that) ;-)

I once again tag all the homeschool teens!!!! :-D
(I'm pretty sure that adds up to eight...I think)
I also tag anyone who would like to play!

Saint Lucy

"Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit." - Saint Lucy



She was the daughter of a rich but pious family. She vowed her life to Christ, but later her mother arranged a marriage for her. She was able to have the marriage on hold for three years. Her mother had an illness, and to change her mother's mind about her new faith she prayed to St. Agatha and her mother was cured. Her mother then approved of her life's devotion to God, but her rejected pagan bridegroom did not, and reported to the governor that she was a Christian. The guards went after her, but they could not move her even when the guards tied her to a team of oxen. Her eyes were torn out, and was sentenced to death by setting bundles of wood afire with her tied to it. The flames went out and she was later martyred by the sword. Legend says that her eyesight was restored right before she was martyred.

Prayer

Dear Sicilian Virgin and Martyr, whom the Church recalls in Eucharistic Prayer I, you valiantly rejected great promises and resisted several threats in remaining faithful to your beloved Lord. For centuries Christians have invoked you particularly when suffering from eye trouble. So now we implore your assistance on behalf of {name of sufferer}. We also ask you to teach us to imitate you and to avoid spiritual blindness of any kind. Amen.

Book Meme

Tagged by Aunty Esther!!!

One book that changed your life:
Saint Therese of Lisieux The Way of Love By Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND (It's a real children's book, but it's the first time I've heard of St. Therese! It made me want to imitate what she did.
:-))

One book that you’ve read more than once:
Bernadette Our Lady's Little Servant By Hertha Pauli

One book you’d want on a desert island:
The Holy Bible :-)

One book that made you laugh:
My Life With the Saints, By James Martin S.J.

One book that made you cry:
(uhh...Oh! I know!)
Soeur Therese of Lisieux (the autobiography of St. Therese, only published when she was only Blessed! It was from a friend of our family's mom who passed away recently)

One book that you wish had been written:
A book of all the saints speaking of discernment advice

One book that you wish had never been written:
don't know any....

One book you’re currently reading:
I'm kind of read serveral books at a time....but here they are:
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis,
James Alberione Apostle for our Times, by Luigi Rolfo, SSP,
Teresa of Avila God Alone Suffices, by Jean-Jacques Antier,
Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Divine Mercy in My Soul,
and The Interior Castle, by St. Teresa of Avila


One book you’ve been meaning to read:
Paul: a Critical Life, by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor


I tag all the homeschool buddies!!! ;-D

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Today is also an extra special day 'cause it's also Aunty Esther's anniversary!!! Happy Anniversary!!! :-D Oh yeah, and it's also the day I got baptized a long time ago....

Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego, an 55 year old widower on Tepeyac Hill, on Saturday, December 9, 1531, on his way to Mass. Our Lady called him by "Juantzin." (In the Nahyatl language the tzin was added as a sign of respect and love. Usually close friends and families use it) She told him that she wished to have a church built where she was. Then she told him to go to the bishop and tell him of what she wished. Juan Diego said yes and told her that he would be back. Then he hurried off to Mexico City and was told to wait to be admitted. After the long wait, he was let in and the bishop asked him many questions. But the bishop decided to wait a little bit to see if this was really true. So he dismissed Juan, and Juan went back to where Mary was waiting for him. When he saw her again he told her what happened. When he had finished speaking and later apologized, Our Lady told Juan not to worry and to come back the next day. After he had attended Mass early morning, he once again was ordered to wait for a long time before seeing the bishop. When he was let in, he begged the bishop and repeated what had happened again and again. But Bishop Zumarraga still didn't move. He just told Juan to go back and ask for a sign. The bishop then whispered to his servants to follow Juan. So the servants did what the bishop asked and when Juan got to Tepeyac Hill, he just vanished right before the servants' eyes! They hurriedly reported back to the bishop who was also amazed.

Juan told everything what had happened. Our Lady instructed Juan to come back the next day, and she would give the sign that he asked for.

Later on that night, Juan's uncle came down with a terrible fever. As the time passed, it grew worse. It didn't even help when Juan's neighbors told him that everyone who caught that illness died. Poor Juan! The authority of an uncle there was the same as a parents, and this uncle of his raised him! Juan ran out of the house to find a priest to give him the sacraments. He didn't want to avoid the Blessed Virgin, but in order to save his uncle, and he didn't have much time, he decided to take another path; a different way around the hill. Of course, Our Lady caught him and Juan quickly explained that his uncle was dying. Our Lady then told him not to worry about anything. She also told him that his uncle was already cured. Our Lady then instructed him to go to the top of Tepeyac Hill where he first saw her and to gather many flowers there. Juan obeyed even though he was confused because it was too cold for flowers. But he did it anyway. He gathered beautiful roses and used his cloak called a tilma to hold them like a basket. He happily went down the hill where the Blessed Virgin was waiting for him. She arranged the flowers and told him not to let anyone see what he was carrying. So he went to the bishop but this time the doorkeeper insisted that he should see would he was carrying first. Juan opened it just a tiny bit and the doorkeeper was amazed to see the roses. He reached out to touch them but his hand went right through! They let Juan see the bishop without any delay this time.

Once Juan let go of the corners of his tilma, the bishop fell to his knees. Juan looked down and was amazed to see that there was a magnificent picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary, just what she looked like when he saw her at Tepeyac Hill!

Christmas meme

I finally get around to do it. :-)



1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper!!! Everyone here loves it!!



2. Real tree or artificial? I really like real trees, but we have to have an artificial one. :-(



3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime right before Christmas



4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime the next year....



5. Do you like eggnog? Yes!!! Well, now I do 'cause I only tried last year!



6. Favorite gift received as a child? Do I still qualify as a child? ;-) hmm... well I think it would be those tickets to Disneyland like what Cy said. :-)



7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Yes...somewhere in a box



8. Hardest person to buy for? Cy....She's always right beside me when I'm getting her gift!



9. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The wrapping paper on it :-)



10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Both now, since I only got my email address last year



11. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Nativity Story!!! Well now, anyway ;-)



12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Somewhere in the middle of Advent



13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes several times before



14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Anything Italian!!!



15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Both I think



16. Favorite Christmas song? I have too many....



17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home....It's really nice :-)



18. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeers? Dancer, Dasher, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Vincen.....uhh, and Rudolph! I guess not...



19. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star



20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning! We get to open one gift before we leave for Mass, and then we open up the rest when we come back



21. Most annoying thing about this time of year? A lot of kids are really choosy about their Christmas presents....



22. Best thing about this time of year? The birth of Our Savior!!!!!!



I tag anyone who would like to do this!!!

Immaculate Conception

Proverbs 8:22-35

The Lord possessed Me in the beginning of His ways, before He made anything from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived, neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out: the mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the hills I was brought forth: He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and compass He enclosed the depths: when He established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters: when He compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when He balanced the foundations of the earth, I was with Him forming all things; and was delighted every day, playing before Him at all times; playing in the world, and My delights were to be with the children of men. Now, therefore, ye children, hear Me: Blessed are they that keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth Me, and that watcheth daily at My gates, and waiteth at the posts of My doors. He that shall find Me shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord.

Prayer

We beseech Thee, O Lord, to bestow on Thy servants the gift of heavenly grace, that, for those to whom the Blessed Virgin's maternity was the beginning of salvation, the votive solemnity of her immaculate conception may procure increase of peace. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Source

Saint Nicholas of Myra

Oh look...he's wearing red too...;-) He is the patron saint of bakers, and I'm just guessing maybe that's why people leave cookies out on Christmas eve...? Anyway.....I have to make this a really short post. :-(

Because his parents died when he was a young man, he decided to devote all the money to a good use. He overheard that a man with three daughters lost his money and his daughters could not find a good husband because of their poverty, and the man was going to give them over to prostitution. So, at nighttime, Nicholas brought a bag of gold and threw it through the window of their house. It was the dowry for the eldest daughter, and he did the same for the rest of the other girls. He was watched by the father when he was doing it for the third daughter, and the man was truly thankful.

His story became a legend, and later popularized in America by the Dutch Protestants of New Amsterdam, changed the story of him from a saint, into a magician. :-( (Santa Claus = Sint Klaes = Saint Nicholas)

St. Francis Xavier

"It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards a man's progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken." -Saint Francis Xavier


Francis Xavier (1506-1552) had many talents and studied and taught philosophy at the University of Paris. St. Ignatius of Loyola was a friend of his, and convinced him to use his talents to spread the Gospel. He became the first Jesuit missionary and was later ordained a priest.

While waiting to board a ship once, he started preaching to the children and helped the sick. He would sometimes ring a bell to call the children to study. For ten years in Japan, India, and the East Indies, he baptized more than 40,000 people. During his adventures, he taught children their catechism, washed the sores of the lepers, and baptized 10,000 people in a single month! He always sought to help the poor wherever he went, and even willing to endure the most terrible conditions of weather and traveling barefoot.

He was beatified on the 25th of October, 1619, by Pope Paul V and canonized on the 12th of March, 1622, by Pope Gregory XV

Prayer to Saint Francis Xavier
Great Saint Francis, well beloved and full of charity, in union with you I reverently adore the Divine Majesty. I give thanks to God for the singular gifts of grace bestowed on you in life and of glory after death, and I beg of you, with all the affection of my heart, by your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to live a holy life and die a holy death. I beg you to obtain for me {mention your petition}. But if what I ask is not for the glory of God and for my well-being, obtain for me, I beseech you, what will more certainly attain these ends. Amen.

Emmauel award

Nominated by my sister Cy!

Here's what it says on the original blog (which is a very wonderful blog, so please visit it!)
"In a consumer society it is a blessing to read blogs where the writer's main focus is God. Where they express their love for their faith so visibly and joyfully.
In a cynical world it is refreshing to see so many blogs which are generous, giving, who care about others and demonstrate what being a Christian is about, loving God and loving our neighbor.
Through their faith, lives and spirituality, they bring God to us, they in essence make God visible, 'God with us.'
This Award goes to all the faith filled blogs who make evident 'Emmanuel'- God with us, with Joy in their hearts.
Please share this Award with Christian blogs that focus on the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior."

I nominate Aunty Esther, Joey, Mrs. Micki, and to all who read this!!! ;-D

St. Andrew the Apostle

yep, back to work. ;-)


"We have found the Messiah, that is to say, the Christ." -St. Andrew

Andrew was a fisherman like his brother, Simon Peter, and he was a follower of St. John the Baptist. When St. John pointed out that Jesus was greater, Andrew left to follow Him. After walking behind Jesus for a while, Jesus asked Andrew, "what do you seek?" Andrew said that he would like to know where Jesus lived, and He replied, "Come and see." Andrew realized after a very little time that He was truly the Messiah. From that day on, Andrew decided to be a follower of Christ for the rest of his life. But he didn't keep all this excitement to himself, he happily told his brother Peter about Him.

Later, after Jesus ascended into Heaven, Andrew traveled to Greece to preach the Gospel. Later he was tied to the cross, but lived two days after that. Although he was still suffering from that, he spent those two more days of his life on earth still preaching the Gospel.

Prayer

O Glorious Saint Andrew, you were the first to recognize and follow the Lamb of God. With your friend Saint John you remained with Jesus for that first day, for your entire life, and now throughout eternity. As you led your brother Saint Peter to Christ and many others after him, draw us also to him. Teach us to lead others to Christ solely out of love for him and dedication in his service. Help us to learn the lesson of the Cross and to carry our daily crosses without complaint so that they may carry us to Jesus.

picture from here.

Christmas award...

Umm...the picture wasn't working for some reason....but now it is!!! (updated)

here's the original post and explaination



I nominate
Mom, Cy ;-), Mrs. Micki, Aunty Esther (again), Joey, and whoever would like to be nominated....just leave a comment if you like. :-)

Thanksgiving day meme

I just remembered!!! It's St. Cecilia's feastday today too!!! :-D
*singing the veggietales "That's why I say thanks every day" song*

And......I was automatically tagged by Aunty Esther!!!!

It is a Thanksgiving Meme and it asks: 10 things I am thankful for!

1. I am thankful for life!!!!
2. For my wonderful parents, sibs, and friends....and my whole ohana!!!!
3. For the best gift of all....Christ's love for us and his sacrifice.
4. For all the saints, and our dear mother Mary.
5. For this blog so that I can use it for a great use...to evangelize!
6. That my sibs and I could sing endless praises to Him all day.....And that we live on an island in the middle of a vast ocean.....
7. That I could attend Mass and receive Him just about everyday!!!
8. I am thankful for books, books and more books.....especially the Bible and saint books. :-D
9. .....even though I don't like doing it sometimes, I try to be thankful for school work.....but I'm very thankful that I am homeschooled!!!!
10. That I am discerning a vocation to the religious life.....It is the best marriage that any girl could hope for!

I tag any one who reads this!!!!
Especially Cy!!!
and Mom...if you want to do it...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary!

Weelll, St. Elizabeth is one of Cy's favorite saints, so I'll be posting some special things about her since several people probably already know about her (I hope). Besides the other facts I've posted about her earlier on All Saints' Day, here are a few things. Happy Feastday of St. Elizabeth everyone!!!

Elizabeth and Louis (her husband who is also called Blessed Louis) were so close to each other that they called each other "Brother and Sister."

Louis gave Elizabeth presents, like flowers or a shiny stone, and Louis didn't mind if Elizabeth would give it away to the poor.

Saint Elizabeth wasn't the only saint in her family. Her mother's sister was St. Hegwig, her great nephew was St. Louis of Toulouse, her great niece was St. Elizabeth of Portugal (or called St. Isabel) and of course, St. Elizabeth's youngest daughter was Blessed Gertude of Altenburg, and St. Elizabeth's husband was Blessed Louis.

This is probably the most famous story of St. Elizabeth, but I'll post it anyway. :-)

Starting from a young age, St. Elizabeth had a habit of giving things to the poor. Whether it was clothes, food, money or something valuable, she treated them as she would treat Christ (she once had a vision of Christ when she was feeding the poor). Often hiding the food in her basket or a cloth, she continued this habit for as long as she lived. On one occasion somewhere during the Winter season, she was caught on her usual route by Louis. Unwilling to be harsh on her, he gently asked her what was in her cloth. Elizabeth took a deep breath, and let go of the cloth. To their amazement, instead of bread, they both saw fresh roses fall out! This was amazing since it was during the Winter season and it was way too cold to have roses.

Saint Albert the Great

It is by the path of love, which is charity, that God draws near to man, and man to God. But where charity is not found, God cannot dwell. If, then, we possess charity, we possess God, for "God is Charity" (1 John 4:8) Saint Albert the Great


Albertus Magnus (1206-1280) had a encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary who convinced him to enter a holy order. Against the wishes of his family, he became a Dominican in 1221 or 1223. He studied theology, and later became a master in theology, and became a theological writer. He was also a teacher to Thomas Aquinas. In 1260, Pope Alexander IV made him Bishop of Regensburg, and he lasted there for about three years. Albertus also preached to the eighth Crusade in Austria. He was greatly depressed when his pupil, Thomas Aquinas, passed away in 1274.
He was beatified in 1622, and canonized in 1931 by Pope Pius XI. He is the patron saint of World Youth Days.
Later, he was named Doctor of the Church.

Prayer

Dear Scientist and Doctor of the Church, natural science always led you to the higher science of God. Though you had an encyclopedic knowledge, it never made you proud, for you regarded it as a gift of God. Inspire scientists to use their gifts well in studying the wonders of creation, thus bettering the lot of the human race and rendering greater glory to God. Amen.

picture from here

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

"We must pray without tiring, for the salvation of mankind does not depend on material success; nor on sciences that cloud the intellect. Neither does it depend on arms and human industries, but on Jesus alone." Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini


Even as a young girl, Mary Frances (1850-1917) was inspired by St. Francis Xavier and desired to become a missionary, even when other people told her that she was too weak and small. She was trained to be a teacher, but always felt that she was being called to religious life. She attempted to join several orders, but to her disappointment, she was often turned down because of her poor health. After many years of praying, she received a letter from a priest asking her to be in charge of an orphanage that wasn't doing so well. With an uncertain yes, she did her best to keep the orphanage running smoothly. It wasn't easy, but at least she was able to achieve a goal she had so long desired. She was finally able to become a religious! She made her vows with seven other women who were her students before. Not long after, the bishop asked her to found a missionary community. Although the orphanage did close (she worked there for about 6 years) she was also able to become a missionary!

The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The name of the community itself made her excited to finally do what she had always wanted to do, despite the discouragements that she received when she was much younger. She was also asked to be it's superior, but it was something Frances wasn't hesitant to do. Perhaps we would go to China, like St. Francis Xavier! She thought. She was still looking forward to being like the saint she always looked up to. Although she kept her hopes high, she wasn't asked to go to China. Instead, she was asked by the Holy Father himself to go to America. "You must not go to the East, but to the West." The pontiff told her, and Frances obeyed. They landed in New York, and started out with a school. Next, the orphanage. After four months, there were about 400 orphans there!

She and her sisters continued to run the school, orphanage, novitiate, and soon traveled to Italy and South America. She always had this motto from St. Paul. "I can do all things in Him who strengthens me."
She was the first American citizen to become canonized a saint. She was beatified on the 13th of November 1938, and canonized on the 7th of July 1946, by Pope Pius XII

Prayer to St. Frances Cabrini

How much there can be in a name is most clearly show in you who were called Frances Xavier, thus expressing your wonderful missionary spirit. An emigrant to the United States from Lombardi in Italy, you took care of immigrants. You founded the Missionary Sisters and became the first American citizen to be canonized a Saint. Make us dedicated servants of God like yourself and care for the immigrants who need your help. Amen.

Saint Josaphat

"You people of Vitebsk want to put me to death. You make ambushes for me everywhere, in the streets, on the bridges, on the highways, and in the marketplace. I am here among you as a shepherd, and you ought to know that I would be happy to give my life for you. I am ready to die for the holy union, for the supremacy of Saint Peter, and of his successor the Supreme Pontiff." - Saint Josaphat

John Kunsevich (1580-1623) took the name Josaphat when he joined the Ukrainian Order of Saint Basil . He practiced severe penances; fasting (until he felt like fainting) slept on bare floor, all offered for the conversion of sinners. He was a great preacher, and later became bishop of Vitebsk. He accomplished much even in his first three years. Many people who were far from the Church were comforted by Josaphat's kind and gentle words, and so they came back. He was also made an enemy to many people, whom they called him "soul-snatcher".

At age 43 Josaphat was attacked by about 1000 people, men and women of all ages. Though after the martyr's death, all (except one) of those people who had participated in his murder converted to the Catholic faith. Josaphat's body remains incorrupt to this day, located in Rome.

Beatified on the 16th in May, 1643, by Pope Urban VIII and canonized in 1876, the first Eastern saint canonized by Rome.

picture from here

Saint Martin of Tours

Here was a man words cannot describe. Death could not defeat him nor toil dismay him. He was quite without a preference of his own; he neither feared to die nor refused to live. With eyes and hands always raised to heaven he never withdrew his unconquered spirit from prayer. It happened that some priests who had gathered at his bedside suggested that he should give his poor body some relief by lying on his other side. He answered: "Allow me, brothers, to look toward heaven rather than at the earth, so that my spirit may set on the right course when the time comes for me to go on my journey to the Lord." from a letter by Sulpicius Severus


Martin (316-397) discovered Christianity and became a catechumen when he was a young teen, although he was born to pagan parents. He joined the Roman army when he was about fifteen, and was a Calvary officer.
He was very kind to the other soldiers, and often gave food and clothing to the poor. When the other soldiers noticed this, they tested Martin by giving him a red cloak, telling him that if he loved his friends (the soldiers), then he wouldn't give this cloak away. Martin promised, and he thanked his friends for the warm cloak since the cold weather was approaching.

Until, one chilly day he came riding home on his horse, thankful for his cloak that kept him so warm. Suddenly, the horse immediately stopped, and Martin saw that there was a poor beggar freezing on the side of the road. Martin stopped and thought, "how could I help this poor one?" I have nothing to give him, except this cloak....but I promised....." Martin knew what to do now, he took his red cloak off. He shivered as the cold wind blew against him, and drew forth his sword. The beggar shrunk back a little bit, but with great relief he realized that this man on a horse was cutting the red cloak in half. Martin gave the freezing beggar one half and the other half he kept for his self. A half of the cloak didn't cover Martin from the icy blasts as much as the whole thing did, but at least he was able to help someone who was in need. He could see clearly that the beggar was truly grateful for at least half of the cloak.

The beggar thanked this kindhearted man, and Martin continued his journey back to his camp with thoughts of what his men would say when they only saw that he returned with only half of his cloak. Some Martin's friends thought that he was robbed, and others knew that he was to betray them anyway. That night Martin saw the same beggar by his bedside, still wearing the cloak. He was confused at first, thinking that he had forgotten something. But then, to his astonishment, he realized that this beggar was Christ! Martin was startled, and he heard the words, "Martin, what you do to others, you do to Me."
Martin maintained his life of giving to the poor, and he later became the Bishop of Tours.

picture from here

Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity

"Make a little cell in your heart for Jesus of the Agony; take refuge there, when you hear Him outraged by men, try to make reparation; you, at least, love Him and keep your heart quite pure for Him. Oh! If you only knew how the good God love pure hearts! It is there that He loves to reign." -Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity

Elizabeth Catez (1880-1906) was raised by only her mother, since her father passed away when she was seven. She was a popular girl, stubborn, and a girl very similar to St. Therese of the Child Jesus. She played the piano very well, and she often taught children and visited the sick. She had great reverence for God, and had an early life of prayer and reflection.

She later entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery in France, on August 2nd, 1901, which was strongly against her mother's wishes. Although she had great spiritual growth, she had period of powerful darkness, which her spiritual director made doubts about her vocation. Thankfully, two years later she completed her novitate, and made her final vows in January. She later became a spiritual director for many people.

Beatified on the 25 of November 1984 by Pope John Paul II

click here for a prayer by St. Elizabeth

All saints' day!!!!!!

It's tomorrow, I know, but I'll have to wake up extremely early that day and so I'll just post this now. I'll probably post some more tomorrow.

It took me a while to figure out what post for All Saints' day. So the post of the day would be several facts and stories (maybe some unknown ones) about some saints and blesseds. So...Happy All Saints' day everyone!!!! ;-D

Blessed Imelda: She is the patroness of First Holy Communicants, and she became a nun when she was about 10 years old. Once she told her friend that she always prayed for this blind man every single day, and shortly after she died, the blind man was blind no more


Blessed Damien: During his voyage to Hawaii, he and the captain played jokes on the other sailors about seeing the equator using the telescope, when the line they saw was actually a strand of hair.


Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: When she was very small, she played games with her future husband's sisters, and always let them win. If she was close to winning, then she would quit the game. She loved God so much that when she played ball, she would throw it towards the chapel so that she could fetch it herself, and be at least close to Him.


Saint Catherine of Siena: She loved to call her friends (the other sisters) nicknames. When the Prioress objected to this, Catherine explained that even Our Lord gave His friends nicknames. (He called Simon- Peter, James and John- Sons of Thunder, and Judas Iscariot- the Son of Perdition.) So, she called her friends: Giovanna was "mad Joan" Alessia Saracini was "Chubby" (which was a bit true though she didn't mind it) and Francesca Gori as "Cecca". Catherine got a name too, (the others gave it to her) "Mamma" everyone called her that, even the ones who were older than her.


Saint Teresa of Avila: She and her older brother always dreamed of being martyrs. They would talk about all the time (beheaded, dipped in boiling oil....stuff like that). Until one day they decided to travel to another place that they sure to be killed off and martyred. So, they traveled, and when they finally reached their destination....they froze right in front of there. They began to have second thoughts.....It was getting late...And then there was a cart pulled by a horse coming by. It was their uncle, and he took them back home.


Blessed Damien (again): hehe, here's another funny one: He and some of his friends at school all wanted to be hermits, so they planned out a date to hide in the forest (because there was no desert) to pray and live there. So when they finally got there, they started to pray......but none of them could handle that kind of life for a long time.....one couldn't keep still for long....they became tired and they felt as if the ground was getting hard....and it was getting dark....So one of there relatives found them and they all were sent to bed without supper. :-(


St. Pius X: He called one of his elevator operaters Towhead for some reason.....? Anyway there's several stories and facts about him, but I would like to post a couple of my favorite ones. :-) There were two nuns that were seriously ill (they had an incurable disease), and traveled from their convent to the Pope with high hopes of being cured. After being cured they came back to the coach, but the coachman apologized and told them that he was supposed to bring back two ill nuns back to their convent. It took a while before the two nuns explained to the coachman that the two nuns he had driven earlier were them.


St. Pius X: There was a young child who asked the Pope to pray for him so that when he grows up, he could be a missionary. The Pontiff questioned the child and told him that a missionary was to make many sacrifices, even to become a martyr. The young boy answered that he still would want to be a missionary, and even a martyr if necessary. The Pope knew that God had special plans for this child, so he prayed for this boy. Thirty years later, the same boy was a missionary in China and was given a martyr's death.


St. Anthony of Padua: As young child living in a castle, he did many things a child did: Race with his parents even though they weren't running, run in the hall so that it would echo, drop food down the table during supper for the dog (especially if it was something not so tasty)......


Saint Therese of Lisieux: While still young, her father often spoiled her. Her father continued to spoil her, even after she entered the convent! He sent her good food, lots of fruits, and stuff like that.


St. Edmund Campion: Once, he and another brother were to disguise themselves as a jewel merchant his servant. Edmund was to be the jewel merchant, and during practice they laughingly couldn't get the hang of treating each other as a master and servant.


St. John Bosco: He was like a circus sort of young boy at first. He juggled and stuff like that. He performed for everyone, but he made the fee not money, but prayers. If you wanted to see him perform and bunch of amazing tricks, you'd have to say a few Hail Mary's, or maybe an Our Father....

Update:

Mother Teresa: She (Mother Teresa), was named after St. Therese the Little Flower. St. Therese the Little Flower, was named after St. Teresa of Avila! (I don't know what's after that though....)

Saint Francis: He knew a few people who were saints. Saint Dominic (he helped him), Saint Clare, St. Anthony(they were so close to being close friends!) , and St. Elizabeth. (He gave St. Elizabeth his cloak, but they never met)

Blessed Gertrude: She's the daughter of St. Elizabeth. Before her father died (Louis) and before she was born, Elizabeth and him discussed that if her baby was a boy, then he would study with some monks. But, if she was a girl, she would study at a convent which she did. Blessed Gertrude lived a life very much like her mother's.

Saint Cyrenia: Hehe, it's her actual feast day today. She was martyred with Saint Juliana.

Saint Esther: ;-) I looked it up to see if there was one earlier. Her feast day is on July 1.

Blessed Mary Restituta Kafka

"I have lived for Christ; I want to die for Christ." -Blessed Mary Restituta Kafka's last recorded words

Born in a large family who were shoemakers in Czechoslovakia, Helena Kafka (1894-1943) became a sales clerk, and afterwards joined the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in 1914. There, she took the the name Restituta (an early Church martyr) and in 1919 she started working as a surgical nurse until 1939. In a hospital wing, she hung a crucifix in all of the rooms, but when the Nazis demanded that she should removed them, she refused. And in 1942 she was arrested and was martyred on the 28th of October. In prison, she cared for the other prisoners, and when she was offered freedom only if she would abandon her religious community, she once again refused.

She was venerated on the 6th of April, 1998, by Pope John Paul II
and beatified on the 21st of June, 1998, by Pope John Paul II

Seven things meme

Many thanks to Mrs. Esther for tagging me!

The rule is: Name seven things you like about yourself. :-)

1. I'm Catholic, and attend daily Mass, and I sometimes altarserve when I can. :-)

2. I've got four other siblings, so I could "work hard all day playing pranks on my siblings, and sometimes pets too....Just kidding! I'm so glad that they work hard all day playing pranks on me and Cy, (she doesn't really play pranks on me...sometimes) ;-) otherwise life right now would be very very boring.

3. I can read so many saint books and not get tired of them at all, and I've got a whole shelf of them! I could also read several of saint books above my reading level.

4. Like in Cy's blog, I also enjoy music very much. (but not the weird kind of music)

5. I'm so blessed to have such good friends! Besides the saints, my friends here, and not just the kids, the adults too, (they show their littleness in their own way ;-) ) they show so much aloha spirit and are like ohana to me. :-)

7. I'm able to use my gifts for others. Examples: I make roses out of paper towels that I give to people (like when they're celebrating something). I make leis, shawls, scarves, for my family and friends....and things like that. ;-)

Okay I tag:

um, whoever reads this! :-)

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

"What a weakness it is to love Jesus Christ only when He Caresses us, and to be cold immediately once He afflicts us. This is not true love. Thouse who love thus, love themselves too much to love God with all their heart." -Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

After four hard long years of rheumatic fever, Margaret Alacoque (1647-1690) was recovering after she and her mother prayed that Margaret would be finally healed of her illness, and in return, Margaret would be one of Our Lady's daughters and enter one of the convents. Unfortunately, when Margaret turned 19, her mother changed her mind about the vow they had made to Our Lady, and grew upset about her daughter's decision about entering a convent. Then finally, on June 20, 1671, Margaret became a postulant of the Visitation nuns. Several weeks later, when Margaret on her way to pull some weeds out in the convent garden, she suddenly had a vision of Our Lord. She was found kneeling on the ground by the beans and lettuce, lost in deep prayer. There also a time when she forgot to fetch hot milk for another sister, due to more of her prayers, and she seemed to see Our Lord carrying the cross and on His way to Calvary.

Margaret also made several sacrifices. Her family for some reason, could not stand eating cheese. Margaret did her best to eat more of it (she even asked for permission to eat more cheese) , since she disliked it so much, and offered it as a sacrifice.

In 1675, she recived more visions from God and He later gave her the 12 promises for those who practiced great devotion to His Sacred Heart.

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

Sorry, I had to end that because I have to make more room for another one of my favorites..........;-)

A Surprising Relic

God has a sense of humor, as shown by a little-known miracle involving St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the saint of the Sacred Heart. This holy nun spent so much time mediatating about God that she could be quite absent minded. Thus, the nuns in her community considered her "lacking in brains." Imagine their surprise when the saint's body was examined some years after her death. Although the rest of the saint's body had decayed normally, God had kept her brain in perfect condition! The convent has kept the incorrupt brain as a precious relic from that day to this.

Haha! So much for "lacking in brains!":-)

Saint Teresa of Avila

"Let nothing trouble you, let nothing make you afraid. All things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains everything. God alone is enough. There is no such thing as bad weather. All weather is good because it is God's. There is more value in a little study of humility and in a single act of it than in all the knowledge in the world. " -Saint Teresa of Avila


Daughter of Spanish nobles, Teresa Sanchez Cepeda Davila y Ahumada (1515-1584) once attenpted to travel with her older brother (they often dreamed and pretended to be martyrs) to another place to be martyred. They froze during their journey, and one of their relatives took them back home where they found a very upset father in the house.......


Um, I'm running out of time, (I've only got a few minutes on the computer) so I'll just post a favorite story of my mom's about St. Teresa of Avila. (I'm pretty sure some of you already know this one)

Once upon a time... Teresa fell off a horse, and came back injured with several terrible bruises. Confused, she asked God, "God, why did You let me fall off the horse?" He replied, "Well, that's how I treat my friends." Teresa then said to Him, "No wonder You don't have many friends."

Before I heard this story, I never knew that Saint Teresa of Avila had a sense of humor! I always thought of her as one of those serious saints.....:-)

Another quote...

Hehe, it's inspirational this time.
:-)

"Live in the grace and under guiding hand of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who works within my soul. The Father and the Son are with him. Never forget the Holy Spirit; he is the one who makes us holy."

"Live in union with God like Saint Paul: 'For to me to live is Christ' (Phil 1:21). Do everything for him, in him, with him. Love souls and do good works. May all mankind be saved! Always humility, patience, and faith. Mary help me!"

Both quotes are from the diary of the soul of Vernable Thecla Merlo, foundress of the Daughters of St. Paul. I picked them out in a book, Thecla Merlo, by Domenico Agasso. Another one to add to my favorite books list! ;-) Mother Thecla isn't a saint yet, but if she does make it to the list, I think she would make a very good patroness of those who did their best to be like saints, but aren't saints today yet. She did say practice humility! (yeah, I can see the relationship with her and St. Therese;-)) A friend of our family's let me read the book. Thanks so much! I really enjoyed it! (if you ever read this...)

The picture was taken from here.

From a letter written by a four-year-old saint

It's not her feast day today, but here's a part of St. Therese's letter to one of her sister's friends written when she was four years old. I couldn't help but admire her childlike way :-)

I have never met you but all the same I love you very much. Pauline
told me to write to you, she is holding me on her knees because I don't know how to use a proper pen by myself, she wants me to tell you I am a lazybones, but that isn't true because I work hard all day playing pranks on my sisters, poor pets, and lastly I'm a little rogue who never stops laughing. Bye-bye, darling Louise, I send you a big fat kiss, give the Visitation a good hug for me, I mean Sister Marie Aloysia and Sister Louise de Gonzaga because I don't know any of the others.

Hehe, who says saints can't be mischievous? ;-)

PS~This letter was taken from a book entitled The Saints Humanly Speaking, and the picture is St. Therese at age 3 and a half, from Patron Saints Index.

Our Lady Aparecida

Here's a link to a wonderful story I found about Our Lady's feastday for today:

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/mary0005.htm

Mathetes Award

I finally found five people to award! I awarded the people that I think deserves this.

I really don't think I deserve this award, but I guess it's a good reminder to post more about saints.

(Catholic Homeschooled Teens, here's my fake smile and wave :-))

Anyway, I was awarded by both Cy at Therese's Roses and Joey at Catholic Homeschooled Teens.

Here's what it says on the original blog:

"Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. I'd like to take the opportunity to award five other bloggers with this award and badge for acting in the role of a disciple of Christ. These five all share the message in their own creative ways, and I admire them all for what they do.
In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other "disciples" to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1)this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ. If you know of other deserving recipients of this award, and would like to start a new string, then please post a link to where you've started in in the comments to this post. I would love for many deserving bloggers to be blessed with this recognition.

Okay, I award the following bloggers and their blogs:

Nunblog,

Religious Life Rocks! -The Adventures of "One Fun Nun",

Mostly Prayers and Writings,

Priscilla, Your Little Friend,

and...


Holy Cards for Your Inspiration

St. Daniel Comboni

"The missionaries will have to understand that they are stones hid under the earth, which will perhaps never come to light, but which will become part of the foundations of a vast, new building." -Saint Daniel Comboni

Studying several languages, theology, and medicine in Italy, Daniel Comboni (1831-1881) was educated at Father Mazza's Institute. He was ordained by Blessed John Nepomuk von Tschiderer in 1854, and became a missionary to Sudan three years later, but unfortunately, because of his illness he left Sudan in 1857. Then from 1861-1864, he taught at Father Mazza's Institute. Then, in the year 1867 at Verona, Italy, he founded the Istituto delle Missioni per la Nigrizia which was for priest and brothers. Daniel also founded Istituto delle Pie Madri, which was for woman who would work in Africa also known as Comboni Missionaries. He founded several more missionaries later.

He was beatified on the 17th of March 1996 by Pope John Paul II at Saint Peter's Basilica, Rome
And canonized 5th of October 2003 by Pope John Paul II

Saint Faustina

"A soul who praises the goodness of her Lord
Is especially loved by Him.
She is always close to the living fountain
And draws graces from Mercy Divine."
-Saint Faustina


With only three years of school, and nine other siblings, Elena (or Helena) Kowalska (1905-1938) worked as a servant for other families. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, at the age of nineteen, after being rejected by several other orders, taking the name Sister Maria Faustina of the Most Blessed Sacrament. There at the convent, she worked as a cook, gardener, and porter. The Sacrament, Mary Immaculate, and Reconciliation, were her special devotions. Sister Faustina later began to receive visions and experienced hidden stigmata, and soon recording her mystical experiences in her diary. There was a terrible translation of her diary that reached Rome once, in 1958, and was labelled heretical. But when Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II), ordered for a much better translation, Vatican authorities realized that it was work proclaiming God's love.

Around in the 1930's, Jesus told Sister Faustina to have a picture be painted of Him with the words, "Jesus, I trust in You." He also told her to be an example of mercy to others, and to live her life in imatation of Christ's as a sacrifice.

She was then venerated on the 7th of March, 1992, by Pope John Paul II,
beatified on the 18th of April, 1993, by Pope John Paul II,
and canonized on the 30th of April, 2000, by Pope John Paul II

Prayer by St. Faustina

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages.

St. Francis of Assisi

"Jesus is happy to come with us, as truth is happy to be spoken, as life to be lived, as light to be lit, as love is to be loved, as joy to be given, as peace to be spread." - Saint Francis of Assisi

Born in a rich family, Francis Bernardone (1181-1226) was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. Although he did have a good education was part of his family's business, Francis misspent his youth and became a street brawler and a soldier. He was later captured and spent over one year as a prisoner of war. During this time, he had a conversion experience, and felt that Christ was calling him to leave this worldly life. After being released, Francis then took his religion very seriously.

Jesus Christ became his literal example, and the Gospels as the rule of his life. Francis then began to dress in rough clothing, begged for food, and preached. His family strongly disapproved this, and later his father disinherited him. As for Francis, he renounced his wealth and inheritance, and continued to visit hospitals, served the sick, preached everywhere, and treated everyone as his sisters and brothers. Then, in the year 1209, men became attracted to him and his way of life, and Francis founded the Franciscans with papal blessing. The Franciscans were based on a statement by Christ, "Leave all and follow me."

About three years later, in 1212, Clare of Assisi became his spiritual student, and later she found the Poor Clares.

Francis composed songs and hymns, he lived with animals, cared for lepers, cleaned churches, and gave food to thieves. Then, in 1221, he resigned direction of the Franciscans. Three years later, on Mount Alvernia, Francis received stigmata, which lasted about two years, until his death in 1226.

Two years later after his death, he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX.

Francis is the patron of birds, and often pictured with birds because he also preached to them on one occasion.

Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi

Most lovable and popular Saint, son of a go-getting and wealthy merchant of Assisi, you discarded earthly possessions for the Savior you loved so dearly and you won innumerable persons for Jesus. How greatly we need in our day unselfish and just merchants. Inspire them with the love of Christ for others and with the desire for things that endure.

Amen.

St. Clare of Assisi

"Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me." - Saint Clare of Assisi





Shortly after hearing Saint Francis of Assisi preach in the streets, Clare of Assisi (1194-1255) talked to him about her strong desire to live for God, and then afterwards they became close friends. On Palm Sunday in the year 1212, Clare was given a palm from the bishop, which she took as a sign. She and her cousin Pacifica escaped from their palace during the night, and later on took the veil of religious profession from St. Francis at the Church of Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, also known as Sisters of St. Clare, Second Order of St. Francis, and Poor Clare nuns. Later, Clare's mother and sisters joined her order. Clare enjoyed music, as well as well-composed sermons. Her sisters saw her as humble, merciful, charming, optimistic, and chivalrous. Sometimes at might, Clare would get up to tuck in her sisters who would kick off their bed sheets. Every day she would meditate on the Passion.

St. Clare is often pictured with the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance, because there once was a time when the convent was about to be attacked, but the attackers left after she displayed the Sacrament at the convent gates, and prayed before it. Around the end of her life, there was once a time when she was too ill to attend Mass, but she would see the service appear on the wall of her cell, making her the patroness of television. Clare later died on the 11th of August, in the year 1253, of natural causes.
She was canonized on the 26th of September, in the year 1255, by Pope Alexander IV

Feastday of Our Guardian Angels

Angel of God, my Guardian Dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side to light, to guard,

to rule, and guide.

Amen.

Feast day of St. Therese!

Sorry this wasn't posted right away. I couldn't find anything else to post for this day. I'm sure that several of you already know the story of St. Therese so I'm not going to type a report about her life. Anyway, I wrote this prayer poem this morning. I wish that I could have added more paragraphs, but there wasn't anything else I could think of. Oh well.
Enjoy and Happy Feast day of St. Therese!!! :-D

"I will let down a shower of roses."

-St. Therese

Dear Saint Therese, whose love for Him is so true,
Teach us to love Him as you did too.
You performed the little way without a fuss,
Saint Therese the Little Flower please pray for us!

Send roses to those who need comfort we pray,
That they may feel God’s everlasting love today.
Send roses to those who need courage too,
That they may be given strength anew.

Send roses to the ones who are afraid,
So that Christ’s peace in their hearts would be made.
Send roses to children that they may hear Christ’s voice,
And respond to Him with the perfect choice.

Send roses who need perseverance in their life,
Especially to those who are in great strife.
Send roses to people who need Christ most of all,
That they may come back to Him and never again fall.

Dear Saint Therese, whose love for Him is so true,
Teach us to love Him as you did too.
You performed the little way without a fuss,
Saint Therese the Little Flower please pray for us!
-CT

Novena prayer to our Lady of Good Remedy

O Queen of Heaven and Earth, Most Holy Virgin, we venerate thee. Thou art the beloved Daughter of the Most High God, the chosen Mother of the Incarnate Word the Immaculate Spouse of the Holy Spirit, the Sacred Vessel of the Most Holy Trinity.
O Mother of the Divine Redeemer, who under the title of Our Lady of Good Remedy, comes to the aid of all who call upon thee, extend thy maternal protection to us. We depend on thee,
Dear Mother, as helpless and needy children depend on a tender and caring mother.

Hail Mary...

O Lady of Good Lady, source of unfailing help, grant that we may draw from thy treasury of graces in our time of need.
Touch the hearts of sinners, that they may seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Bring comfort to the afflicted and the lonely; help the poor and the hopeless, aid the sick and the suffering. May they be healed in body and strengthened in spirit to endure their sufferings with patient resignation and Christian fortitude.

Hail Mary...

Dear Lady of Good Remedy, source of unfailing help, thy compassionate heart knows a remedy for every affliction and misery we encounter in life. Help me with thy prayers and intercession to find a remedy for my problems and needs, especially for...(here mention your special intentions).

On my part O loving Mother, I pledge my self to a more intensely Christian lifestyle, to a more careful observance of the laws of God, to be more conscientious in fulfilling the obligations of my state in life and to strive to be a source of healing in this broken world of ours.
Dear Lady of Good Remedy, be ever present to me, and through thy intercession, may I enjoy health of body and peace of mind, and grow stronger in the faith and in the love of thy Son Jesus.

Hail Mary...

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of Good Remedy,
R. That we may deepen our dedication to thy Son, and make the world alive with His Spirit.

Ninth day of the Novena to St. Therese

" I want to spend my heaven on earth doing good" -St. Therese

Novena I-

O Eternal Father, in heaven You crown the merits of those who in this life serve You faithfully. For the sake of the most pure love Your little daughter, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, had for you - love which binds You to give her whatever she desires - listen to the petitions which she offers up to You in my behalf, and hear my prayers by granting me the grace I ask.

(Optional: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)

O little St. Therese of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands.

Make my troubles your own - speak a word for me to our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were - to that Queen of heaven who smiled on you at the dawn of life." Beg her as the Queen of the heart of Jesus to obtain for me by her powerful intercession, the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment, and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life. Defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Novena II-

O Heavenly Father, Who hast prepared for us a glorious reward after the labors of this life, and hast promised to crown with honor and glory those who are faithful to the end in Thy love, we beseech Thee to grant us through the intercession of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus the grace to be faithful to Thy Commandments, to those of the Holy Church and to Thy holy inspirations until the hour of our death.

Father, grant that, after the example of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, we may not recoil from labors, that temptations may not keep us from Thee, that trials may not cause us to lose courage. May neither the world, nor the devil, nor our own inclinations separate us from Thee to Whom we desire to belong for ever, as we promised Thee on the day of our Baptism and on the day of our First Communion.

Perseverance in grace is a grace, we beseech Thee to grant it to us, and in Thy merciful love not to refuse us the grace of graces, that of final perseverance which will unite us to Thee for evermore and will give us to contemplate during all Eternity Thine adorable Face.

Father, uphold us in the midst of our combats until the day when we shall gain the victory, when Thou Thyself wilt triumph in us.

Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus who persevered throughout your life in exact fidelity to God's grace, you who saw your perseverance crowned own the glorious day of your death, obtain for us to be fully faithful to God's law and never to separate ourselves from His holy love. Obtain for us the favors we crave and implore through your powerful intercession.

Amen.

from here and here.

Eighth day of the Novena to St. Therese

"Happiness is not found in the things around us. It is found in the secrecy of the soul."

- St. Therese

Novena I-

O Eternal Father, in heaven You crown the merits of those who in this life serve You faithfully. For the sake of the most pure love Your little daughter, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, had for you - love which binds You to give her whatever she desires - listen to the petitions which she offers up to You in my behalf, and hear my prayers by granting me the grace I ask.

(Optional: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)

O little St. Therese of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands.

Make my troubles your own - speak a word for me to our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were - to that Queen of heaven who smiled on you at the dawn of life." Beg her as the Queen of the heart of Jesus to obtain for me by her powerful intercession, the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment, and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life. Defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.

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Novena II-

O Heavenly Father, Who hast created all the good things of earth for the use of man and dost measure them out to him with marvelous bounty, we beg Thee through the intercession of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus to give us all those things of which we have need for the preservation of our life here below.

Teach us to use these things with the moderation befitting Christians, let us not attach our heart to them; may they serve not to keep us from Thee, the Only True Good to be desired and the Giver of all that is good in this world. Give us, as Thou gavest to Thy faithful handmaid Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, to make a holy use of earthly things and to make them serve on for Thy Glory.

Father, Who dost feed the birds of the air and clothe the lilies of the valley, forsake not the souls of those who trust in Thee.

Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus who ever used the things of this world according to the order willed by God, you who made earthly gifts serve to merit those that are heavenly, we ask you to obtain for us all that is necessary for us during our life upon earth. Obtain for us the favors we crave and implore through your powerful intercession.

Amen.

from here and here.

Seventh day of the Novena to St. Therese

"The Lord surrounded me always with love" -St. Therese

Novena I-

O Eternal Father, in heaven You crown the merits of those who in this life serve You faithfully. For the sake of the most pure love Your little daughter, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, had for you - love which binds You to give her whatever she desires - listen to the petitions which she offers up to You in my behalf, and hear my prayers by granting me the grace I ask.

(Optional: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)

O little St. Therese of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands.

Make my troubles your own - speak a word for me to our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were - to that Queen of heaven who smiled on you at the dawn of life." Beg her as the Queen of the heart of Jesus to obtain for me by her powerful intercession, the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment, and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life. Defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.

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Novena II-

O Heavenly Father, Who has bestowed upon us so many benefits through the intercession of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, and willest that we should honor this lovable saint with a special devotion, we earnestly implore Thee of Thy fatherly loving-kindness the grace to be ever faithful in veneration her, invoking her and imitating her virtues.

It is good for us to pay honor to the Saints. Thou has placed these blessed Saints as powerful mediators between ourselves and Thee, that so Thou mayest bestow upon us more ready and more abundant aids. That which our prayer cannot obtain, theirs will obtain for us.

Thou hast willed that the Saints should be our models. They were once what we are; we can with Thy grace become what they are, what they have done, we can do in our turn. Father, give us a true and lasting devotion towards Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, a devotion well ordered and constant, a devotion that will sanctify us and lead us to Thee to Whom all the homage we pay to the Saints returns.

Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, placed by the Church upon our altars to be out protectress with God and model in Christian life, obtain for us, we ask of you, ever to have you in honor, to venerate you, to invoke you, to imitate you for the greater glory of God and the greater good of our souls. Obtain for us the favors we crave and implore through your powerful intercession. Amen.

from here and here.

Sixth day of the Novena to St. Therese

"Love is repaid by love alone" -St. Therese

Novena I

O Eternal Father, in heaven You crown the merits of those who in this life serve You faithfully. For the sake of the most pure love Your little daughter, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, had for you - love which binds You to give her whatever she desires - listen to the petitions which she offers up to You in my behalf, and hear my prayers by granting me the grace I ask.

(Optional: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.)

O little St. Therese of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands.

Make my troubles your own - speak a word for me to our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were - to that Queen of heaven who smiled on you at the dawn of life." Beg her as the Queen of the heart of Jesus to obtain for me by her powerful intercession, the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment, and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life. Defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.

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Novena II-

O Heavenly Father, Who bestowed upon the Blessed Virgin Mary the greatest and most precious graces and privileges, and called her to become the Mother of Thy Son Jesus also giving her to be our Mother, we beseech Thee through the intercession of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus ever so faithful to honor this beloved Virgin, whose radiant countenance and gracious smile she one day beheld, to grant us too the inestimable favor of being the very loving children of this Holy Mother.

We need her maternal mediation, for this good Mother is the way that leads to Jesus, and she is the treasurer of all the graces that our Savior acquired for us by shedding of His Precious Blood.

We thank Thee, O Father, for having given us the Blessed Virgin to be our Mother, and our guide along our life's path, and we beseech Thee that, like Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, we may be true imitators of her virtues: of her perfect humility, her immaculate purity, and her ardent love. We look to her for the greatest succor now and at the hour of our death.

Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus who ever manifested a great love for the One you named the Immaculate Virgin, and from whom you received so many benefits, we ask you to obtain for us the grace to imitate your tender devotion towards her and to help us to reproduce her beautiful and admirable virtues even as you yourself did. Obtain for us the favors we crave and implore through your powerful intercession.

Amen.

from here and here.