Friday, June 2, 2023

National Doughnut Day[1]

 

National Doughnut Day is a day of appreciation of Salvation Army volunteers who distributed doughnuts to servicemen during World War I.  Doughnuts are fried circular pieces of dough that are usually topped with sugar syrups, chocolate, nuts and other flavorings. National Doughnut Day began in 1938 as a fundraiser for Chicago's Salvation Army.  The fundraiser aimed to support the needy and honor the Salvation Army volunteers who donated their time during World War I to hand out doughnuts to the soldiers.  When the US entered the war in 1917, Salvation Army huts were formed where many female volunteers were deployed to mother the soldiers.  During this time, women began to make doughnuts for the servicemen who began to refer to the women as, Doughnut Dollies. This national holiday is celebrated each year on the first Friday in June.

 

National Doughnut Day Top Events and Things to Do

 

·       Visit your local doughnut store for specials and promotions to celebrate National Doughnut Day.  Many doughnut stores offer free doughnuts or specials.

·       Try to make your own doughnuts with your favorite toppings, or try new blends of sweet and savory toppings.  Some interesting twists include maple bacon doughnut, smoked salmon doughnut and grilled cheese doughnuts!

·       Become a volunteer with The Salvation Army.  According to The Salvation Army, more than 30 million Americans received assistance from the Salvation Army's officers, employees and 3.4 million volunteers in 2014.

·       Pick up a large box of doughnuts on your way to work or school to share with friends, family, colleagues or fellow students



[1]https://www.wincalendar.com/Doughnut-Day



Fish and Chip Day[1]

 

Rich, delicious, and flavorful, and utterly satisfying, thats the best way to describe this treat. Theres something about the tang of salt and the oil-stained newspaper that just speaks of a meal so steeped in tradition it only seems appropriate that it comes wrapped in the days news. Fish and Chips Day commemorates this fundamental meal of the working class, and while its roots may lay on Britannias foggy shores, there are few places in the world that this comfort food hasnt found its way to.

 

To talk of the history of this holiday is, as in the case of so many others, to speak of the origins of that which it celebrates. Fish and Chip seem an odd thing to have become the foundation for an entire cultures working class, but much comes into focus when you understand the economy and industry of the time it took hold. In the late 1800s, trawl fishing became a major part of the industry in the North Sea, resulting in a growing availability of fresh fish in areas further inland, especially within the cities. Anyone who understands economics knows that easily available means cheaper to get your hands on. Cheap, filling, and high caloric food created an excellent foundation for a working class that held incredibly physically demanding jobs. Thus, it was that Chippers started cropping up all over major population centers, the vendors that served fish and chips to the people on the street. From there, the meal spread all over the world and is now popular all over Canada (being sold from Chip Wagons) and throughout the USA. In the Americas it can be found in everything from corner burger shops as part of their fry menu, to some of the most upscale restaurants which provide them with only the best cod and sides. It really is a meal that crosses all the boundaries of culture, class, and status.

 

How to Celebrate Fish and Chip Day

 

Well, it starts off simple enough, doesnt it? Pop on over to your favorite Chipper and get yourself a paper-full of this delicious and filling meal. Try it, however, you like it, with a little tartar sauce in the US, a bit of mayonnaise in Canada, or whatever strikes you as your favorite thing to flavor your dish with. Malt vinegar is a very popular addition, and with the delicious tang, it will make your Fish and Chip Day flavorful and authentic!


·       Iceman’s 40 devotion

·       Operation Purity




First Friday

EMBER FRIDAY 

Mark, Chapter 11, Verse 18

The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they FEARED him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. 

This was after Jesus had overturned the money changers tables. The priests were not afraid of the man Jesus, for they did not know or care if He was the Messiah. They only respected money, power, or the ability to sway or manipulate the crowd. 

In this chapter of Mark’s gospel, he also included the story of the fig tree. The fig tree was cursed by Jesus before He entered the temple because it although was healthy and looked as if it held much fruit, was barren. After the incident in the temple the same tree had withered and died because it did not produce. It did not live up to its created purpose. 

Mark records it thus, “Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen; it shall be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.” 

A man then who believes, without fear, and has total faith can move mountains; go therefore with all faith and produce the fruit for which you were created. 

First Friday[1]

“I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the first Friday for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance; they shall not die in my disgrace nor without receiving the sacraments; my divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in that last moment.”  — Our Lord to St. Margaret Mary

How to complete the First Friday’s Devotion

1.     Receive Holy Communion on each First Friday.

2.     The nine Fridays must be consecutive.

3.     They must be made in honor and in reparation to His Sacred Heart.

ACT OF REPARATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

https://videos.wordonfire.org/themassepisode1

Sacred Heart of Jesus, animated with a desire to repair the outrages unceasingly offered to Thee, we prostrate before Thy throne of mercy, and in the name of all mankind, pledge our love and fidelity to Thee!

·       The more Thy mysteries are blasphemed, the more firmly we shall believe them, O Sacred Heart of Jesus!

·       The more impiety endeavors to extinguish our hopes of immortality, the more we shall trust in Thy Heart, sole hope of mankind!

·       The more hearts resist Thy Divine attractions, the more we shall love Thee, O infinitely amiable Heart of Jesus!

·       The more unbelief attacks Thy Divinity, the more humbly and profoundly we shall adore It, O Divine Heart of Jesus!

·       The more Thy holy laws are transgressed and ignored, the more we shall delight to observe them, O most holy Heart of Jesus!

·       The more Thy Sacraments are despised and abandoned, the more frequently we shall receive them with love and reverence, O most liberal Heart of Jesus!

·       The more the imitation of Thy virtues is neglected and forgotten, the more we shall endeavor to practice them, O Heart of Jesus, model of every virtue!

·       The more the devil labors to destroy souls, the more we shall be inflamed with desire to save them, O Heart of Jesus, zealous Lover of souls!

·       The more sin and impurity destroy the image of God in man, the more we shall try by purity of life to be a living temple of the Holy Spirit, O Heart of Jesus!

·       The more Thy Holy Church is despised, the more we shall endeavor to be her faithful children, O Sweet Heart of Jesus!

·       The more Thy Vicar on earth is persecuted, the more we will honor him as the infallible head of Thy Holy Church, show our fidelity and pray for him, O kingly Heart of Jesus!

O Sacred Heart, through Thy powerful grace, may we become Thy apostles in the midst of a corrupted world, and be Thy crown in the kingdom of heaven.  Amen.

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary

1.  I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.

2.  I will give peace in their families.

3.  I will console them in all their troubles.

4.  I will be their refuge in life and especially in death.

5.  I will abundantly bless all their undertakings.

6.  Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7.  Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8.  Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.

9.  I will bless those places wherein the image of my Sacred Heart shall be exposed and venerated.

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11. Persons who propagate this devotion shall have their names eternally written in my Heart.

12. In the excess of the mercy of my heart, I promise you that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour

Friday after Pentecost-Ember Day[2]

EPISTLE. Joel ii. 23-27.

THUS, saith the Lord God: O children of Sion, rejoice, and be joyful, in the Lord your God: because He hath given you a teacher of justice, and He will make the early and the latter rain to come down for you as in the beginning. And the floors shall be filled with wheat, and the presses shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years which the locust, and the bruchus (beetle), and the mildew, and the palmerworm have eaten: My great host which I sent upon you. And you shall eat in plenty, and shall be filled: and you shall praise the name of the Lord your God, Who hath done wonders with you, and My people shall not be confounded forever. And you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: and I am the Lord your God, and there is none besides: and My people shall not be confounded forever, saith the Lord Almighty.

GOSPEL. Luke v. 17-26.

At that time: It came to pass on a certain day, as Jesus sat teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, that were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was to heal them. And behold men brought in a bed a man who had the palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before Him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in, because of the multitude, they went up upon the roof, and let him down through the tiles with his bed, into the midst before Jesus. Whose faith when He saw, He said: Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. And the scribes and Pharisees began to think, saying: Who is this Who speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?

And when Jesus knew their thoughts, answering He said to them: What is it you think in your hearts? Which is easier to say, thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk?

But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (He saith to the sick of the palsy): I say to thee, Arise, take up thy bed and go into thy house. And immediately rising up before them, he took up the bed on which he lay; and he went away to his own house, glorifying God. And all were astonished; and they glorified God. And they were filled with fear, saying: We have seen wonderful things to-day.

Ember Friday-Meditation on the Crucifixion[3]

Another Form of Prayers for The Stations

(For Private Use.)

PREPARATORY PRAYER.

RECEIVE, O holy Trinity, this my dutiful service, which I offer unto Thee in union with the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Virgin, and all the saints, to the glory of Thy divine majesty, in satisfaction for my sins, in remembrance of our redemption, and to obtain for the departed rest, for the living grace, and for all everlasting glory. To Thee be praise, and honor, and glory, O blessed Trinity, forever and ever. Amen.

FIRST STATION.

CHRIST IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH. He willingly submitted to that unjust judgment, that He might deliver thee from the sentence of everlasting damnation.

·       The wicked have said, reasoning with themselves, but not right: Let us lie in wait for the just, for He is contrary to our doing: He boasteth that He hath the knowledge of God, and calleth God His Father. Let us see if His words be true. If He be indeed the Son of God, He will deliver Him out of our hands. Let us condemn Him to a most shameful death.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

God spared not His own Son. But delivered Him up for us all. He was offered up, because He Himself desired it. And He opened not His mouth.

O Lord, hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

Prayer.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who out of the bosom of the Father didst descend from heaven to earth, and didst shed Thy most precious blood for the remission of our sins, we humbly beseech Thee that in the day of judgment we may be found worthy to stand at Thy right hand, and to hear Thee say unto us, “Come, ye blessed” Amen.

SECOND STATION.

THE CROSS IS LAID UPON CHRIST. “The wicked have wrought upon my back” (Ps. cxxviii.). Hail, our King! Thou only hadst pity on our sins, and wast led, in obedience to Thy Father, to be crucified, and as a gentle lamb to the slaughter. To Thee be glory, hosanna; to Thee be triumph and victory; to Thee the crown of highest praise and honor.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

The chastisement of our peace was upon Him. And by His bruises we are healed. The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. For the wickedness of His people hath He struck Him.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

THIRD STATION.

CHRIST FALLS THE FIRST TIME UNDER THE CROSS. How great must be the weight of our sins, under which He fell, Who bears all things by the word of His power!

·       Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself unto death, even the death of the cross; for which cause God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name which is above all names.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

Surely, He hath borne our infirmities. And carried our sorrows. He was branded for our iniquities. He was bruised for our sins.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

FOURTH STATION.

CHRIST IS MET ON HIS WAY BY HIS BLESSED MOTHER AND ST. JOHN. Oh, how sharp a sword of grief must have pierced the heart of His Mother and of His loving disciple when they met Jesus thus! Dost thou, too, share with them their sorrow and grief?

·       Oh, all ye that pass by, attend and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow: therefore, do I weep, and my eyes run down with water, because the Comforter, the relief of my soul, is far from me. My eyes have failed for weeping, my bowels are troubled, my heart is turned within me, for the desolation of my Son, because the enemy hath prevailed.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

Great as the sea is thy grief. Who shall heal thee? A sword of grief hath pierced thine own soul. That out of many hearts’ thoughts may be revealed.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

FIFTH STATION.

THE CROSS IS LAID UPON SIMON OF CYRENE. This man was compelled to carry the cross after Jesus. How great an honor to have carried it willingly! Art thou ready to bear the cross of Christ?

·       It behooveth us to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in Whom is our salvation, who is our life and resurrection, and through Whom we are saved and delivered.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. By Whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. O faithful cross, thou peerless tree! No forest yields the like of thee, leaf, flower, or bud.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

SIXTH STATION.

CHRIST IS MET BY VERONICA. How excellent a mirror did Veronica obtain in the image of the face of Christ! Do thou ever contemplate thyself in that mirror?

·       Behold, we have seen Him without beauty or comeliness, despised and the most abject of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with infirmity, and His look was as it were hidden and despised; whereupon we esteemed Him not. His appearance is without honor among the living, and His beauty among the sons of men; yet He is beautiful above all the children of men, by Whose bruises we are healed.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

O Lord God of hosts correct us. Show us Thy face, and we shall be saved. Turn not away Thy face from us. Neither leave Thy servants in displeasure.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

SEVENTH STATION.

CHRIST FALLS DOWN AT THE GATE OF JUDGMENT. How wilt thou be able to stand before Him in the day of judgment?

·       They delivered Me into the hands of the ungodly, and thrust Me among the wicked, and did not spare My soul. The strong men gathered themselves against Me. and stood over Me like giants, gazing upon Me with fierce looks; and, beating Me with cruel stripes, they mocked Me.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

But I am a worm, and no man. The scorn of men and the outcast of the people. All they that see Me laugh at Me. They spoke against Me with their lips, and wagged their heads.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

EIGHTH STATION.

WOMEN LAMENT OVER CHRIST. Where are the tears with which thou dost bewail thy sins rather than the loss of any earthly good?

·       Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For, behold, the days shall come in which they say, blessed are the barren, and the wombs that have not borne, and the paps that have not given suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, fall upon us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done in the dry?

Our Father. Hail Mary.

The breath of our nostrils, Christ the Lord. Is taken in our sins. The crown of our head hath fallen. Woe unto us, for we have sinned.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

NINTH STATION.

CHRIST FALLS FOR THE LAST TIME AT MOUNT CALVARY. Oh, how often is Christ pressed down by the weight of our sins!

·       My people, what have I done to thee, or wherein have I molested thee? Answer thou Me. I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and thou hast prepared for Me a cross; I led thee through the wilderness forty years, and fed thee with manna, and thou hast beaten Me with buffets and scourges; I gave thee a royal sceptre, and thou hast given My head a crown of thorns. What could I have done more for thee that I have not done?

Our Father. Hail Mary.

He is led like a sheep to the slaughter. And, as a lamb before His shearers, He is dumb. He delivered His soul unto death. That He might give life unto His people.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

TENTH STATION.

CHRIST IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS, AND IS GIVEN VINEGAR AND GALL TO DRINK. Art thou unkind and inconsiderate to the poor? What thou dost to them thou dost to Christ.

·       My people, what have I done to thee, or wherein have I molested thee? Answer thou Me. I brought thee out from the house of bondage to the promised land; and when I came to thee from the bosom of My Father, thou didst lead Me to the death of the cross. I planted thee My choicest vine, and thou wast made unto Me exceeding bitter; I gave thee to drink out of the rock the water of salvation, and thou madest Me to drink vinegar and gall. What could I have done more for thee that I have not done?

Our Father. Hail Mary.

My strength hath dried up like a potsherd. And my tongue hath cleaved to My jaws. They gave Me gall to eat. And when I was thirsty, they gave Me vinegar to drink.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

ELEVENTH STATION.

CHRIST IS FASTENED TO THE CROSS WITH DREADFUL NAILS. How strong are the bands of love with which Jesus hath bound Himself unto thee! How dost thou bind thyself in return unto Him?

·       My people, what have I done unto thee? I exalted thee with great power, and thou didst hang Me on the gibbet of the cross; I made thee higher than all nations, and thou hast loaded Me with reproaches and curses; I opened before thee the Red Sea, and thou hast opened My side with a spear. What could I have done more for thee that I have not done?

Our Father. Hail Mary.

What are these wounds in the middle of Thy hands? With them was I wounded in the house of those that loved Me. They have pierced My hands and My feet. And have numbered all My bones.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

TWELFTH STATION.

CHRIST DIES UPON THE CROSS. Consider what Jesus said and did when He was dying. Oh, that thou too mayst die like Him!

·       Behold how the just man dieth, and no man layeth it to heart; and the righteous are taken away, and no one considereth. The just man is taken away from before the face of evil, and the memory of him shall be in peace.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

Christ became obedient unto death for us. Even the death of the cross. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

THIRTEENTH STATION.

THE BODY OF CHRIST IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS, AND LAID UPON THE KNEES OF HIS MOTHER. Consider the vehement anguish of Mary’s soul when she received in her arms the dead body of her Son taken down from the cross, and laid Him on her knees. Love caused her so great grief, and made her truly a martyr. What love and sympathy dost thou feel for thy Savior?

·       To what shall I compare thee, or to whom shall I liken thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? To what shall I equal thee, O virgin daughter of Sion? Great as the sea is thy desolation. O mother of mercy make me to share with thee the death of Christ; make me a partaker of His passion.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

Through thee, O Virgin Mary, may we obtain salvation. From the wounds of Christ. O holy Jesus, grant me to obtain, through Thy Mother, The crown of victory.

FOURTEENTH STATION.

THE BODY OF JESUS IS BURIED. Consider, O my soul, how the body of Jesus was wrapped in spices, and laid in a new tomb. With what honor dost thou receive Jesus thy Redeemer daily, either sacramentally or spiritually? Art thou always endeavoring to be, as it were, a new tomb for the reception of Jesus, bright with the beautiful ornaments of virtue?

·       I am counted among them that go down to the pit; I am become as a man without help, free among the dead. O good Jesus, I come here with the women to Thy tomb, sorrowing and lamenting that hitherto I have shown myself so unworthy: confirm and establish the kingdom of Thy grace in my heart.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

My flesh shall rest in hope. Thou wilt not give Thy holy one to see corruption. Arise, O Lord, and help me. And deliver me from my sins.

O Lord hear my prayer. And let my cry come unto Thee.

Prayer. O Lord Jesus Christ, etc.

COMMENDATION.

Look down, O Lord, we beseech Thee, upon this Thy family, for which Our Lord Jesus Christ did not refuse to be delivered into the hands of wicked men, and to endure the torment of the cross. Amen.

PRAYER ON THE HOLY WINDING-SHEET OF CHRIST’S BODY.

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, “Who didst leave the marks of Thy passion on the holy winding-sheet in which Thy most sacred body was wrapped by Joseph when taken down from the cross, mercifully grant that through Thy death and burial we may be brought to the glory of the resurrection. Amen.

MEDITATIONS ON THE LITURGY FROM THE EXTRAORDINARY FORM FOR EACH OF THE EMBER DAYS AFTER PENTECOST.

Written by Monsignor Martin B. Hellriegel, originally published in the journal Orate Fratres Vol. XVIII, May 14, 1944, No. 7, pp. 299-305, later reprinted in Vine and Branches, Pio Decimo Press, 1948.

These meditations are attached to the 1962 Extraordinary Form liturgy. The current lectionary has different readings and prayers not specific to the Ember Days.

Prayer: EMBER FRIDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Station "With the Twelve Apostles"

They found them clean vessels and one in love (response).

We are resting upon the blessed Apostles, the twelve pillars of the Church of God. May we never depart from them. The Church prays today for that grace: "We who by the Holy Ghost have been gathered within the (apostolic) fold, may we in no wise be disturbed by any attack of the foe."

Yesterday's response to the first lesson is a beautiful tribute to the apostolic protectors on this ember Friday. "The fire of God," so reads the response, "came not to destroy, but to enlighten; not to consume, but to shine, and found the hearts of the disciples’ clean vessels. And the Holy Ghost gave them the gifts of His grace. He found them one in love, and the overflowing grace of the Godhead shone through them, alleluia."

He found their hearts clean vessels full of charity and love. No wonder the Holy Spirit replenished such hearts with the gifts of His grace. Where purity is, there is the vision of God; where charity and love are, there is God Himself. Purity and charity, these are the jewels that adorn the twelve apostolic pillars upon whom we rest. Purity and charity, these are the two channels through which flows freely the transforming life of the Godhead.

"O children of Sion, rejoice and be joyful in the Lord your God, because He hath given you a teacher of justice, and He will make the early and the latter rain to come down to you, as in the beginning" (epistle).

The holy apostles with whom we celebrate this day are indeed our "teachers of justice." If we adhere to them, if we absorb their purity and charity, the dew of the Holy Ghost will descend upon us, as it did in the beginning--on the day when "He found their hearts clean vessels and one in love."

In many ways we resemble the sick man in today's gospel; the palsy of human affections and uncharitableness is responsible for our lameness in the things of God. May these twelve strong apostolic men take hold of us this morning and "let us down into the midst before Jesus" that we may obtain from Him health of mind and heart and a new infusion of His Spirit of purity and charity.

May the eucharistic fire of God make our hearts clean vessels, and fill them with such a degree of love that the Holy Ghost will also give to us His gifts and the overflowing grace of His Godhead.

Prayer Source: Orate Fratres/Worship: A Review Devoted to the Liturgical Apostolate , The Liturgical Press 

 

Fitness Friday[4]

Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips from George Washington

George Washington was a man fit to be king. In fact, he was offered the crown by the victorious Americans after the cessation of the American War of Independence. He was one of the richest men in colonial America and a successful general who commanded a great deal of respect and followed the teachings of the Age of Enlightenment. While George refused to rule as a king, he was less hesitant to share his insights on matters relating to health, wealth, and politics. “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” George Washington 

·       Health Should Be a Top Priority

President George Washington believed that our health should be one of the most important priorities in life. President Washington really knew the value of health in our lives. Because without our health, it’s almost impossible to live life to the fullest. In order to enjoy and carry out day-to-day tasks, we need to be able to walk, breathe on our own, lift objects, have fun and so much more. Shortly before his passing, the former President wrote that “Health was amongst (if not the most) precious gift of Heaven, and without it we are but little capable of business, or enjoyment.”

·       Be An Active & Healthy Leader

Not many know that George Washington was actively involved in the military, serving for a span of over 40 years. It was his heroic and strategic service in the United States military where he became known as the Father of our Country. While in the military, George Washington was constantly on his feet, leading his people through battles, and persevering under pressure. Leadership is known to be associated with improved relationships, increased mood, positive outlook, increased self-confidence, and many more positive attributes. If you want to impact the health of other people, as well as yourself, then it’s best to lead by example. The types of social, emotional, and mental health benefits that being a leader can bring are endless!

  • Get Fit for Life’s Battles

According to the record books, George Washington was a strong, well-built man. He grew up with an athletic frame and with a 6’2 stature, he was described by his military partner as “175 pounds paddles with well-developed muscles, indicating great strength.” Another description of him by historian David McCullough explains how he stood out as a soldier and general for his strapping appearance. This type of build really helped him out when he had to fight his opposers or climb the Natural Bridge. Whether Washington was riding a horse for hours on end, or getting pierced by 4 musket balls, his great strength aided him through it all. You never know what daily battles you might have to face, but lifting weights is always a huge advantage to face what lies ahead!

  • Eat A Variety of Healthy Foods

America’s first President was able to enjoy many different cuisines because he was so wealthy. He ate fish such as sturgeon, along with many different fruits like cherries, and protein packed nuts. George Washington was fortunate to own many farms and facilities that enabled him to consume plenty of nutrient rich foods. Though you don’t have to be rich to be healthy! Fruits, vegetables, and different sources of protein can be bought at reasonable prices. These foods are jam-packed with nutrients that protect the heart against certain diseases, cancers and even strokes. They also aid in muscle growth and repair while strengthening the immune system.

  • Get Active Outside

George Washington took an interest in farming and American agriculture very early on. He was passionate about making the agriculture industry better for his people. This included a lot of rehabilitation on his farm on Mount Vernon. Although he wasn’t the one actually doing the farming, we can still learn from the health benefits that comes with this activity. Farming and gardening contribute to mental clarity and stress relief. According to the CDC, physical benefits associated with this moderate-intensity activity contribute to reductions in obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and colon cancer.

  • Adopt A Furry Friend

Did you know that George Washington loved dogs and bred them? His journals were infused with numerous breeding accounts that included his own special “Virginia Hound” breed. Using these dogs, he indulged sometimes two or three times a week in one of his favorite pleasures: fox-hunting. Having a furry companion by your side greatly influences your health in many ways from boosting the immune system to increasing your quality of life. Take a look at all of the health and fitness benefits of owning a furry friend here

  • Go Dancing!

Not only did George Washington like to move on the battlefield, but he liked to get down on the ballroom floor too. During the American Revolution, balls were often held where the General “danced upwards of three hours without once sitting down,” General Greene stated in 1779. He was seen gracefully dancing with elation spread across his face. It’s no wonder that he was so content since dancing is known to boost mood and confidence! Dancing has many physical and mental health benefits. Those include improved heart and lung function, muscle tone, strength, endurance, as well as stronger bones, improved balance and social skills. Learn how busting a move can be incredibly beneficial to your health here!

  • Read A New Book

We all know the peaceful effects that reading can have on us during a rainy day. But surprisingly, reading has a lot of other health benefits for the average Joe. George Washington was an avid reader in his day. Owning more than 1,200 books, he turned to them to improve his political, militant, and agricultural prowess. You could say George Washington was self-educated from all the time he spent gathering the important information that made him so successful. According to York University researchers, reading helps boost brain power and memory, reduce stress, increase longevity, and even create feelings of empathy. So pick up a good book to expand your knowledge and increase your imagination!

  • Be Social

We all know how much healthy friendships benefit our mental health by keeping us happy and healthy. Not only was George Washington great at running the country, but he was an excellent communicator. He loved having company over for parties as well as connecting with the ladies! Besides dancing, you could find him engaging in meaningful conversations with his companions throughout the night. Many studies show that having people to connect with can keep your brain sharp and enrich your life by adding years to it! Friends also reduce stress, decrease risk of stroke, and can help beat the common cold!

  • Always Persevere

One of the most honorable things about former President George Washington was the fact that he was a man of character. His self-control in such a challenging time period allowed him his courage to shine through on the battlefield. He persevered under pressures of militant lifestyle, while keeping his integrity intact. Even though he failed many times, he stayed positive and kept pushing through. Resilience has a way of impacting our health for the better, and is especially required when things get tough. By staying positive and moving forward we improve our emotional, mental, and physical health. Happy emotions contribute to a healthier immune system! Not to mention the personal benefits such as increased confidence, motivation, and success.

Apostolic Exhortation[1]

Veneremur Cernui – Down in Adoration Falling

of The Most Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix,
to Priests, Deacons, Religious and the Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Phoenix on the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

My beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Part II

III. Worthy Reception of Holy Communion – Conforming our life with Christ.

64. There are situations when we can honor God more by abstaining from Holy Communion than by satisfying a personal desire to sacramentally receive Him in communion. I know of a Catholic mother who because she did not want to show irreverence or contempt for what is truly the Body and Blood of Christ, abstained from Holy Communion for several years because she was living in an irregular marriage. This was the case even though she still faithfully attended Mass with her children each week and was a regular Eucharistic adorer at her parish because of her deep faith and devotion to Christ present in the Eucharist. She, nonetheless, would not present herself for Communion. She was raised to understand that Christian believers should avoid receiving Holy Communion unworthily. Aware of the scriptural admonitions and the teachings of the Church she would offer up her sacramental encounter with the Lord and make instead a spiritual communion each Sunday. So much was her young son clearly edified by her quiet example of faith and fidelity that he became a moral theologian and now teaches moral theology at a Catholic seminary.

65. In this perennial teaching that is scriptural and clear, Holy Communion is meant to be the consummation of the loving union between Jesus the Bridegroom and His Bride the Church, between Him and each believer. The Church invites everyone to the Wedding Banquet while at the same time commits herself to helping everyone arrive properly dressed in a purified baptismal garment, lest the greatest Gift – the Eucharist – becomes his or her spiritual destruction.

66. For this reason, the Church requires Catholic leaders who have publicly supported gravely immoral laws such as abortion and euthanasia to refrain from receiving Holy Communion until they publicly repent and receive the Sacrament of Penance. Not all moral issues have the same weight as abortion and euthanasia. The Church teaches that abortion or euthanasia is an intrinsically grave sin and that there is a grave and clear obligation for all Catholics to oppose them by conscientious objection. “In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is therefore never licit to obey it, or to ‘take part in a propaganda campaign in favor of such a law or vote for it’” (Evangelium Vitae, 73). The Aparecida document, which Pope Francis is acknowledged as one of the main authors during his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, teaches clearly: “We hope that legislators [and] heads of government … will defend and protect [the dignity of human life] from the abominable crimes of abortion and euthanasia; that is their responsibility…. We must adhere to ‘eucharistic coherence,’ that is, be conscious that they cannot receive Holy Communion and at the same time act with deeds or words against the commandments, particularly when abortion, euthanasia, and other grave crimes against life and family are encouraged. This responsibility weighs particularly over legislators, heads of governments, and health professionals.”

67. In the current political climate of our country, the Church can be easily accused of favoring one party and singling out politicians of a certain party with such a teaching. However, the Church is only faithfully reaffirming its perennial teaching on the Eucharist and the worthy reception of Holy Communion which applies to every single person. Eucharistic coherence means that our “Amen” at Holy Communion includes not only the recognition of the Real Presence but also a communion bound together by embracing and living Christ’s entire teaching handed down to us through the Church.

68. The Holy Eucharist is the ongoing Redemption of the world through Christ’s real presence among and within us. The Lord Jesus in the Eucharist in whom we believe and from whom we are sustained, wants to bring our whole life into communion with Him, so that we may not only live because of Him but also live for Him and with Him. Jesus also wishes to live through us, to love through us and to preach and serve through us. For Jesus to do so, we need to make the Eucharist the source and summit of our whole life, allow Him to fill us with awe and wonder, to live with a great faith in Him and His words and follow Him more closely along the path that leads to eternal life.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

PART ONE: THE PROFESSION OF FAITH

SECTION ONE-"I BELIEVE" - "WE BELIEVE"

CHAPTER TWO GOD COMES TO MEET MAN

Article 2-THE TRANSMISSION OF DIVINE REVELATION

III. The Interpretation of the Heritage of Faith

The heritage of faith entrusted to the whole of the Church

84 The apostles entrusted the "Sacred deposit" of the faith (the depositum fidei), contained in Sacred Scripture and Tradition, to the whole of the Church. "By adhering to [this heritage] the entire holy people, united to its pastors, remains always faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. So, in maintaining, practising and professing the faith that has been handed on, there should be a remarkable harmony between the bishops and the faithful."

The Magisterium of the Church

85 "The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ." This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.

86 "Yet this Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant. It teaches only what has been handed on to it. At the divine command and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it listens to this devotedly, guards it with dedication and expounds it faithfully. All that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed is drawn from this single deposit of faith."

87 Mindful of Christ's words to his apostles: "He who hears you, hears me", The faithful receive with docility the teachings and directives that their pastors give them in different forms.

The dogmas of the faith

88 The Church's Magisterium exercises the authority it holds from Christ to the fullest extent when it defines dogmas, that is, when it proposes truths contained in divine Revelation or also when it proposes in a definitive way truths having a necessary connection with them.

89 There is an organic connection between our spiritual life and the dogmas. Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate it and make it secure. Conversely, if our life is upright, our intellect and heart will be open to welcome the light shed by the dogmas of faith.

90 The mutual connections between dogmas, and their coherence, can be found in the whole of the Revelation of the mystery of Christ. "In Catholic doctrine there exists an order or hierarchy 234 of truths, since they vary in their relation to the foundation of the Christian faith."

The supernatural sense of faith

91 All the faithful share in understanding and handing on revealed truth. They have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who instructs them and guides them into all truth.

92 "The whole body of the faithful. . . cannot err in matters of belief. This characteristic is shown in the supernatural appreciation of faith (sensus fidei) on the part of the whole people, when, from the bishops to the last of the faithful, they manifest a universal consent in matters of faith and morals."

93 "By this appreciation of the faith, aroused and sustained by the Spirit of truth, the People of God, guided by the sacred teaching authority (Magisterium),. . . receives. . . the faith, once for all delivered to the saints. . . the People unfailingly adheres to this faith, penetrates it more deeply with right judgment, and applies it more fully in daily life."

Growth in understanding the faith

94 Thanks to the assistance of the Holy Spirit, the understanding of both the realities and the words of the heritage of faith is able to grow in the life of the Church:
- "through the contemplation and study of believers who ponder these things in their hearts"; it is in particular "theological research [which] deepens knowledge of revealed truth".
- "from the intimate sense of spiritual realities which [believers] experience", The sacred Scriptures "grow with the one who reads them."
- "from the preaching of those who have received, along with their right of succession in the episcopate, the sure charism of truth".

95 "It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls."

Daily Devotions

·       Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Restoring the Church

·       Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

·       Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus

·       National Fish and Chips Day Enjoy

·       Drops of Christ’s Blood

·       Universal Man Plan

·       Rosary


[1]https://americaneedsfatima.org/Our-Lord-Jesus-Christ/the-nine-first-fridays-devotion.html

[2] Goffine’s Devout Instructions, 1896.

[3] Goffine’s Devout Instructions, 1896.

[4]https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-fitness-tips-george-washington/

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