Wednesday, July 6, 2022
First Wednesday
MARIA GORETTI-FRIED CHICKEN
Matthew, Chapter 17, verse 5-8
5While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much AFRAID. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 8And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
The apostles during the transfiguration heard the voice of the Father; saw the light of the Holy Spirit and were touched by the Son of God, Christ the Messiah. They fully experienced the triune God which empowered them for the trial ahead.
St. Maria Goretti[1]
St. Maria Goretti was born of a poor family in Corinaldi, Italy, in 1890. Near Nettuno she spent a difficult childhood assisting her mother in domestic duties. She was of a pious nature and often at prayer. In 1902 she was stabbed to death, preferring to die rather than be raped.
"It is well known how this young girl had to face a
bitter struggle with no way to defend herself. Without warning a vicious
stranger (actually Alessandro Serenelli who lived with his father in the same
house as the Goretti's.) burst upon her, bent on raping her and destroying her
childlike purity. In that moment of crisis, she could have spoken to her
Redeemer in the words of that classic, The Imitation of Christ:
"Though tested and plagued by a host of misfortunes, I have no fear so
long as your grace is with me. It is my strength, stronger than any adversary;
it helps me and gives me guidance." With splendid courage she surrendered
herself to God and his grace and so gave her life to protect her virginity.
"The life of this simple girl—I shall concern myself
only with highlights—we can see as worthy of heaven. Even today people can look
upon it with admiration and respect. Parents can learn from her story how to
raise their God-given children in virtue, courage and holiness; they can learn
to train them in the Catholic faith so that, when put to the test, God's grace
will support them and they will come through undefeated, unscathed and
untarnished.
"From Maria's story carefree children and young people with their zest for life can learn not to be led astray by attractive pleasures which are not only ephemeral and empty but also sinful. Instead, they can fix their sights on achieving Christian moral perfection, however difficult and hazardous that course may prove. With determination and God's help all of us can attain that goal by persistent effort and prayer.
"Not all of us are expected to die a martyr's death,
but we are all called to the pursuit of Christian virtue. This demands strength
of character though it may not match that of this innocent girl. Still, a
constant, persistent and relentless effort is asked of us right up to the
moment of our death. This may be conceived as a slow steady martyrdom which
Christ urged upon us when he said: The kingdom of heaven is set upon and laid
waste by violent forces.
"So, let us all, with God's grace, strive to reach the goal that the example of the virgin martyr, Saint Maria Goretti, sets before us. Through her prayers to the Redeemer may all of us, each in his own way, joyfully try to follow the inspiring example of Maria Goretti who now enjoys eternal happiness in heaven."
Excerpted from a homily at the canonization of Saint Maria Goretti by Pope Pius XII
Imprisoned for murder she appeared to him in his cell and
forgave him and he was subsequently converted. Most importantly, he sat next to
her mother at the beatification, who also forgave him.
Patron: Against impoverishment; against poverty; children; children of Mary; girls; loss of parents; martyrs; rape victims; young people in general.
Things to Do:
- Please visit this The Pilgrimage of Mercy:
Tour of St. Maria Goretti's Major Relics for more information on St.
Maria, in particular this article
for a more detailed account of St. Maria Goretti's life and Alessandro
Serenelli's conversion.
- This saint's feast day is a
wonderful launching point to teach our children about purity, chastity and
modesty. Sex education should be taught by the parents with a Catholic
approach. Young girls can use St. Maria as a model.
- A highly recommended book is St. Maria Goretti: In Garments All Red by Rev. Godfrey Poage. Young teens to adult will enjoy this account of her life.
What are the seven wounds or scars of Christ?[2]
God’s love for sinners led Him to give all for their salvation (Romans 5:8). Jesus Christ bore the chastisement necessary to give guilty humans peace with God. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Our Savior shed His blood to save humanity from eternal death (Romans 6:23). He did this because, “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins” (Leviticus 17:11, 14; Hebrew 9:22). Every animal sacrifice pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of the “Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Therefore, “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). The Bible records the following seven wounds or scars of Jesus:
1-The
wounds on His head
Matthew wrote, “And plaiting a crown of thorns, they put it on His head… (ch. 27:9, also John 19:5). The type of thorns that were grown in Jerusalem were called the Arabian Nebulae. This plant had sharp thorns that were up to 4 inches long. It is estimated that the cruel crown had over 100 spicules or thorns. This crown was pushed into Jesus’ head causing deep wounds. The prophecy given to Ezekiel appears to apply not only to him in his day, but also of Jesus. “And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day… And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 2:3, 6). In addition, Jesus received blows on his face on two different occasions. This could have caused additional wounds or scars. Matthew wrote, “Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands” (Matthew 26:67; John 18:22). This was a fulfillment to the Old Testament prophecy. “I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6).
2-The wounds on
His back
“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus and
scourged Him” (Matthew 27:20; John 19:1). The Romans used the brutal
cat-of-nine tails whip to scourge prisoners. At the tips of the whip were nine
strands of leather which had sharp bones or metal balls attached with nails. As
the whip was lashed on the back of the prisoners, it would tear out the flesh
causing intense bleeding. According to the law, victims could be whipped up
to 40 times.
However, the punishment would frequently end at 39 lashes because the effects
were often fatal.
This was a fulfillment of several Old Testament prophecies to the wounds or scars of Jesus. “The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long” (Psalms 129:3). “I gave My back to the smiters” (Isaiah 50:6). Also, “They shall smite the Judge of Israel with a rod” (Micah 5:1). Jesus indeed endured suffering and pain for those whom He loves.
3 and 4-The wounds
on His two hands
Perhaps the most notable scars or wounds
of Jesus are those on His hands from the crucifixion. “So Pilate, wanting to
gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he
had scourged Him, to be crucified” (Mark 15:15
also Matthew 27:26, 35; John 19:1, 17). The nailing of Jesus’ hands was a
fulfillment to a Messianic Psalm. “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of
the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16). Also,
the prophet Zechariah foretold
of the Messiah’s pierced hands. “And one shall say unto Him, what are these
wounds in Thine hands?…” (ch. 13:6). He also added, “They shall look upon Him
Whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).
After the resurrection, Jesus invited Thomas “the doubter” to see and touch His nail-pierced hands for himself. “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands… Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (John 20:27).
5 and 6- The
wounds on His two feet
The New Testament records that Jesus was
crucified by nailing His feet. “And when they were come… to Calvary, there they
crucified Jesus” (Luke 23:33;
John 19:16-18). This was a fulfillment to the Old Testament prophecy that
stated, “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed
me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16). Also, “They shall look
upon Him Whom they have pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).
The piercing of
the feet was an important part of the crucifixion. When the victim was nailed
in the feet to the cross,
this was essential to them being able to breathe. As they hung with arms
extended, breathing was very difficult, and the person would have to push up
with their legs onto their nail-pierced feet in order to inhale. It caused
excruciating pain with
every breath, but it was how the victim temporarily survived. This is why the
guards would break the legs of the victim in order for the person to expire. However,
it was prophesied of Jesus that none of His bones would be broken. “He keepeth
all his bones: not one of them is broken” (Psalm 34:20).
“The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away… But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs… For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken” (John 19:31, 33, 36).
7- The wound on
His side
In order to verify Jesus’ death,
“one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there
out blood and water” (John 19:34). This fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy
that stated, “They shall look upon Him Whom they have pierced” (Zechariah
12:10). After the resurrection, Jesus invited Thomas “the
doubter” to put his hand also into His side saying, “Reach your finger here…and
put it into My side…” (John 20:27). This final piercing of
Jesus showed the state of His heart. The fact that both water and blood came
out demonstrates the extreme stress and trauma He was under. It was so intense
that it brought about a condition known as pericardial effusion. This is where
fluid builds around the heart and can be fatal. It is often said that
this event shows that Jesus died of a broken heart.
Jesus’ wounds of
love
God demonstrated inexplicable love for
the lost race in enduring this sacrifice for us. “For God so loved the world
that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not
perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Greater love hath no man than
this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
The scars or wounds on Christ’s glorified body will remain throughout eternity to testify to the Creator’s infinite love for humanity. “And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends” (Zechariah 13:6).
National Fried Chicken Day[3]
·
The bird gets the spotlight on Fried Chicken Day, and stomachs
are rumbling already. Move over vegetarians, there’s a deep-fried chicken leg
and breast coming this way!
·
To add more pizzazz to the day, coat the
legendary southern food in spices and yell “Yeehaw!” Cover the chicken with a
mixture of cayenne pepper, garlic powder and paprika to put the spring back in
the step. A little hot sauce? Sure, let’s go all out! Serve the mouth-watering
fried food with chicken gravy to up the yum-factor even more.
·
Pair the succulent bird with waffles for a
classic combo. Or, why not make chicken the star of the show and add a tasty
side dish? Lip-smacking sides include buttermilk biscuits, cold potato salad or
coleslaw. With fried chicken on the plate, the taste is sure to taste clucking
good!
Wiener Backhendl
Viennese fried chicken has
a history that goes back to the 18th century, when it was in vogue as
a dish for the aristocracy and upper classes. Serve backhendl with
lemon wedges and parslied potatoes, potato salad or a tossed green salad.
Backhendl is popular in Munich as a dish served at Oktoberfest celebrations.
Also known as Backhähnchen or poulet frit à la viennoise.
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken, cut into serving pieces -- 3 pounds
- Lemon juice -- 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper -- to season
- Flour -- 1 cup
- Eggs, beaten with a little water -- 2
- Breadcrumbs -- 1 1/2 cups
- Oil for deep frying
Method
- Toss the chicken in a large bowl with the lemon juice, salt and
pepper. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Put the flour in one bowl, the eggs in another bowl and the
breadcrumbs in a third bowl. One at a time, dip the chicken pieces first
in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs to coat. Set
the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet to let the coating set.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil to 375°F in a deep skillet or
Dutch oven. Deep fry the chicken pieces for 10 minutes, turning to brown
both sides.
- Reduce heat to low and continue to cook for another 20 minutes,
turning often. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Wiener Backhendl Variations
- Finishing in the Oven: After browning, remove
the chicken pieces to a rack-lined baking sheet and finish cooking in a
350°F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY
SECTION ONE THE SACRAMENTAL ECONOMY
CHAPTER ONE THE PASCHAL MYSTERY IN THE AGE OF THE
CHURCH
Article 2 THE PASCHAL MYSTERY IN THE
CHURCH'S SACRAMENTS
IN BRIEF
1131 The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted
by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.
the visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make
present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who
receive them with the required dispositions.
1132 The Church celebrates the sacraments as a priestly
community structured by the baptismal priesthood and the priesthood of ordained
ministers.
1133 The Holy Spirit prepares the faithful for the sacraments
by the Word of God and the faith which welcomes that word in well-disposed
hearts. Thus the sacraments strengthen faith and express it.
1134 The fruit of sacramental life is both personal and
ecclesial. For every one of the faithful an the one hand, this fruit is life
for God in Christ Jesus; for the Church, on the other, it is an increase in
charity and in her mission of witness
First Wednesday-St.
Joseph
These words were spoken to Sister on the eve of St. Joseph’s
feast day, March 18, 1958:
· My child, I desire a day to be set aside to
honor my fatherhood.
· The privilege of being chosen by God to be
the Virgin-Father of His Son was mine alone, and no honor, excluding that
bestowed upon my Holy Spouse, was ever, or will ever, be as sublime or as high
as this.
· The Holy Trinity desires thus to honor me
that in my unique fatherhood all fatherhood might be blessed.
· Dear child, I was king in the little home of
Nazareth, for I sheltered within it the Prince of Peace and the Queen of Heaven.
To me they looked for protection and sustenance, and I did not fail them.
· I received from them the deepest love and
reverence, for in me they saw Him Whose place I took over them.
· So, the head of the family must be loved,
obeyed, and respected, and in return be a true father and protector to those
under his care.
· In honoring in a special way my fatherhood,
you also honor Jesus and Mary. The Divine Trinity has placed into our keeping
the peace of the world.
· The imitation of the Holy Family, my child, of
the virtues we practiced in our little home at Nazareth is the way for all
souls to that peace which comes from God alone and which none other can give.
St. Joseph appeared to Sister again to explain the First
Wednesday devotion God wishes to establish in his honor. Sister states:
His requests were similar to those of Our Lady and the First
Saturday. The Sacred Hearts of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph have been chosen by the
Most Holy Trinity to bring peace to the world; hence, their request for special
love and honor, also, in particular, reparation and imitation.
These are the words of St. Joseph as recorded on March 30,
1958:
“I am the protector of the Church and the home, as I was the
protector of Christ and His Mother while I lived upon earth. Jesus and Mary
desire that my pure heart, so long hidden and unknown, be now honored in a
special way.
1.
Let my children honor my most pure heart in a special
manner on the First Wednesday of the month by reciting the Joyful Mysteries
of the rosary in memory of my life with Jesus and Mary and the love I bore
them, the sorrow I suffered with them.
2.
Let them receive Holy Communion in union with the love
with which I received the Savior for the first time and each time I held Him in
my arms.
Those who honor me in this way will be consoled by my
presence at their death, and I myself will conduct them safely into the
presence of Jesus and Mary.
I will come again, little child of my most pure heart. Until
then, continue in patience and humility, which is so pleasing to God.”
Every Wednesday is
Dedicated to St. Joseph
The Italian culture has
always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you could make
Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of pizza or
spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday evening Mass.
You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are adventurous, you
could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the evening a family
night perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do make the day special.
· Devotion to the 7 Joys and Sorrows of St.
Joseph
· Total Consecration
to St. Joseph Day 3
·
Do the St.
Joseph Universal Man Plan.
TRAVEL
· July 6-14 San
Fermin Festival
(Pamplona, Spain)
Run for your life! Join hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists who flock to the northern Spanish city of Pamplona for the annual San Fermin Festival. At 8 a.m. on July 7, the celebration unfolds with six bulls and another six steers running down a half-mile stretch of narrow streets. The week-long event culminates in a final, grand fight in a bullring.
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Authentic
Feminism
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
Starting Tomorrow: Let Freedom
Ring: 40 Days to Freedom from the Devil[4]
July 7-August 15, 2022
Goal:
Through acts of
reparation, fasting, penance, charity, and prayer (both personal and
sacramental) we call upon the power of God to release ourselves, our families,
our parishes, our dioceses, and our nation from all demonic influence and
oppression.
Method:
Each
day will be broken into prayer, reflection, and reparation.
Reflection:
A reflection
(rotating from Fr. Peckman, Fr. Altman & Fr. Heilman) will be written for
each day on a particular manifestation of the demonic and the sin it leads to.
It will commend a corresponding virtue to cultivate.
Prayer:
Prayers of
reparation and exorcism will be followed by a litany
·
Monday:
Litany of Humility
·
Tuesday:
Litany of St. Michael the Archangel
·
Wednesday:
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus
·
Thursday:
Litany of St. Joseph
·
Friday:
Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
·
Saturday:
Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
·
Sunday:
Litany of the Blessed Sacrament
Acts of
Reparation and Penance:
Factoring into
this will be variables of age, ability, and availability.
*
To pray a Rosary for the Intention of exorcism of the day's area of
reflection
*
To pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet in reparation for the sin caused by the area of
the day's reflection
*
To commit one act of either a spiritual or corporal works of mercy for either
one who has been harmed by our sin or who has harmed us by their sin.
*
To commit to fasting or abstinence days as prescribed below.
*
To commit to a prescribed time of exercise based on one's abilities
*
To commit to going to confession once a week (where available)
*
To refrain from all use of the conventional media throughout the 40 days and to
limit one's use of social media to one hour a day for non-business or
evangelical use.
Levels
Understanding
that age, health, and the Covid 19 pandemic are current factors...
·
Black
level: (For clerics)
o
Acts
of reflection and prayer remain intact. Added is a commitment to a Holy Hour
every day.
§
Cleric
commits to fasting 3xs a week (unless age or medical condition is an issue).
§
Cleric
commits to abstaining from sweets, soda, junk food, and fast food for all 40
days.
§
Clerics
with medical conditions and over the age of 65 commit to a half hour of
exercise. Otherwise, they commit to one hour of exercise, with the
understanding that one can exercise and pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy
Chaplet at the same time.
§
They
also commit to making more time for the confessional, daily Mass, and praying
the entirety of the Divine Office (all hours) for the 40 days.
§
The
prayer, reflection, some acts of reparation can be done during Holy Hour and/or
exercise time.
§
Clerics
commit to confession once a week. Clerics, in a special way, should offer the
prayers for those placed under their pastoral care and do their acts of
reparations for those harmed by the actions of any cleric, including themselves.
·
Blue
level: Recommended for those called to go "All In!"
o
Acts
of Reflection and prayer remain intact.
§
Person
commits to fasting 3xs a week (Wednesday, Friday, and any other day, save
Sunday).
§
Abstinence
from sweets, soda, junk food, and fast food for all 7 days.
§
One
hour of exercise with the understanding that one can exercise and pray the
Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet simultaneously.
·
Red
Level: Recommended for those who do not think they can do the blue level:
o
Acts
of Reflection and prayer remain intact.
§
Person
commits to fasting 2xs a week on Wednesdays and Fridays.
§
Abstinence
from sweets, soda, junk food, and fast food for the other four days.
§
One
hour of exercise, with the understanding that one can exercise and pray the Rosary
and Divine Mercy Chaplet at the same time
·
White
Level: Recommended for pregnant women, senior citizens, those with serious
medical conditions:
o
Acts
of Reflection and prayer remain intact.
§
Abstinence
3xs a week from sweets, soda, junk food, & fast food instead of fasting.
§
Half
hour of exercise instead of an hour. That other half hour can be used to do
spiritual reading.
§
It
should be noted that praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet can be done
while exercising
Prayer for Freedom from the Devil
(We will all pray
the following prayer each day)
My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
At a word from You the devil and his minions flee in
terror.
You are the source of all truth. You are the source of
all strength.
By the power of Your Cross and Resurrection, we
beseech You, O Lord
To extend Your saving arm and to send Your holy angels
To defend us as we do battle with Satan and his
demonic forces.
Exorcise, we pray, that which oppresses Your Bride,
the Church,
So that within ourselves, our families, our parishes,
our dioceses, and our nation
We may turn fully back to You in all fidelity and
trust.
Lord, we know if You will it, it will be done.
Give us the perseverance for this mission, we pray.
Amen.
Our Lady of the
Immaculate Conception ... pray for us
St. Joseph ...
pray for us
St. Michael the
Archangel ... pray for us
(the patron of
your parish) ... pray for us
(your
confirmation saint) ... pray for us
ENLIST
IN THE UNITED STATES GRACE FORCE
(Please recruit family and friends to enlist!)
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