Monday, June 3, 2024
- Traditions passed down with Cooking, Crafting, & Caring -
June 3
Saint of the day:
Saint Kevin of Glendalough
Patron Saint of blackbirds, Archdiocese of Dublin, Glendalough, Kilnamanagh
Monday-Saint Charles Lwanga and companions
OCTAVE OF CORPUS CHRISTI
They
were seeking to arrest him, but they FEARED
the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them. So,
they left him and went away.
It is natural to fear something you cannot control. Christ could not be controlled by the men in charge of the Temple system; so, they feared Him and they feared the crowd that followed Him. Christ’s message was good news to the crowd who were but pawns in the Jewish Temple system of wealth and power. We in times of trouble should be like Tobit and seek to walk all the days of our lives in paths of truth and righteousness. It was Tobit who defied those in power to do an act of mercy by burying the dead. While his neighbors mocked him and saying to one another: “He is still not afraid! Once before he was hunted down for execution because of this very thing; yet now that he has scarcely escaped, here he is again burying the dead!” (Tobit 2:8) Love makes sacrifices. He (Christ) laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. (1 John 3:16) Most of us by the grace of God are never confronted with such terrors of evil. Yet, we too in our quiet lives can lay down ourselves in service to our brothers.
St. Charles Lwanga and Companions[1]
Charles was one of twenty-two Ugandan martyrs who converted from paganism. He was baptized November 1885, a year before his death, and became a moral leader. He was the chief of the royal pages and was considered the strongest athlete of the court. He was also known as "the most handsome man of the Kingdom of the Uganda." He instructed his friends in the Catholic Faith and he personally baptized boy pages. He inspired and encouraged his companions to remain chaste and faithful. He protected his companions, ages 13-30, from the immoral acts and homosexual demands of the Babandan ruler, Mwanga.
Mwanga was a superstitious pagan king
who originally was tolerant of Catholicism. However, his chief assistant,
Katikiro, slowly convinced him that Christians were a threat to his rule. The
premise was if these Christians would not bow to him, nor make sacrifices to
their pagan god, nor pillage, massacre, nor make war, what would happen if his
whole kingdom converted to Catholicism?
When Charles was sentenced to death,
he seemed very peaceful, one might even say, cheerful. He was to be executed by
being burned to death. While the pyre was being prepared, he asked to be untied
so that he could arrange the sticks. He then lay down upon them. When the
executioner said that Charles would be burned slowly to death, Charles replied
by saying that he was very glad to be dying for the True Faith. He made no cry
of pain but just twisted and moaned, "Katonda! (O my God!)." He was burned
to death by Mwanga's order on June 3, 1886. Pope Paul VI canonized Charles
Lwanga and his companions on June 22,1964. We celebrate his memorial on June
3rd on the Roman Calendar. Charles is the Patron of the African Youth of
Catholic Action.
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
PROLOGUE
III. The Aim and Intended Readership of the Catechism
11 This catechism aims
at presenting an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of
Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second
Vatican Council and the whole of the Church's Tradition. Its principal sources
are the Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church, the liturgy, and the
Church's Magisterium. It is intended to serve "as a point of reference for
the catechisms or compendia that are composed in the various countries".
12 This work is
intended primarily for those responsible for catechesis: first of all the
bishops, as teachers of the faith and pastors of the Church. It is offered to
them as an instrument in fulfilling their responsibility of teaching the People
of God. Through the bishops, it is addressed to redactors of catechisms, to
priests, and to catechists. It will also be useful reading for all other
Christian faithful.
Apostolic Exhortation[2]
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 III
Loving and Adoring the
Eucharistic Lord
69. Thus far we have stirred up our amazement
at the Eucharistic mystery and have considered the nature of our total
self-gift in response. Now we turn to how we might practically live out this
mystery with greater faith and love for – as we pray at each Mass – “our good
and the good of all His holy Church”? In other words, how concretely might we
“follow the Ark” of the Eucharist into the future God has planned for us?
I. Make every Sunday the “Day of
the Lord.”
70. For many of our
contemporaries, Sunday feels like the second half of the two-day weekend. Thus,
time becomes an empty succession of days, without meaning, purpose, or
direction. The consequence of this is not neutral but in fact deeply damaging
to us. If each week has no ultimate purpose (that is, there is no day “for” the
Lord, which means a day of divine worship), then soon we believe that time,
history, and our lives are also meaningless. The result is a kind of slavery to
whatever else we think is more important than the worship of God. Without a
shared time for us all to participate in divine worship, we inevitably fall
under bondage to some good but creaturely fixation. It could be money, success,
social advancement, entertainment, education, politics, or sports, but like the
effects of endless hard labor, the result is spiritual exhaustion and
discouragement.
71. Therefore, the Church
teaches that Sunday is a “day of protest against the servitude of work and the
worship of money” (CCC 2172). It means Sunday is a sign of a liberated people.
In the Old Covenant, the Sabbath was a weekly experience which recalled liberation
from Egypt for worship in Jerusalem. It announced to both Israel and her
neighbors that she was no longer a slave to Egypt. In the New Covenant, Sunday
is meant to be an experience which announces and renews the freedom of the New
Passover to the world. Sunday is the time to herald to the world that we are no
longer slaves to sin and death. This day is meant to be a weekly gift from God
to His people: a day of freedom, joy, charity and peace. It is the primary day
in which God renews His covenant with us. We might say that the Risen Jesus
chose to celebrate His first Mass on Easter Sunday, the day He rose from the
dead (Lk 24:13-35). Since then, Sunday centers around the celebration of the
Mass.
72. How our world thirsts for
this sign of freedom! But this freedom is not simply freedom from but freedom
for. God commands us to “keep holy” the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8). To “keep holy”
means to set aside for divine worship. It is inadequate to think Sunday is
merely about freedom from work. Yes, it involves freedom from servile work, but
this is so that we are free to participate in the work of our Redemption.
Sharing in the work of the Son of God’s Cross and Resurrection is the work
which gives rest and refreshment. So, Sunday is a day of work because we share
in the liberating work of God in the sacred liturgy. What a cathedral is to a
place, Sunday is to the week: set aside for the “work” of divine worship.
Sunday is not about mere inactivity. In fact, the Mass is the highest form of
activity, for in it we share in the work of our salvation through our
participation in the Eucharist.
To be continued…
Celibacy
Awareness Month[3]
Celibacy Awareness Month, celebrated each June, invites people to reflect on the practice of celibacy. This observance offers a chance to understand and appreciate the benefits of abstaining from sexual activity, whether for personal, spiritual, or health reasons.
It highlights the importance of making
informed decisions about sexual health and respecting individual choices in
this intimate aspect of life.
People choose celibacy for diverse and
profound reasons. For some, it’s a way to focus on personal growth, work, and
other pursuits without the distractions of sexual relationships.
Others find that abstaining from
sexual activity helps them recover from past traumas or deepen their spiritual
connections. This month serves as a reminder that celibacy can foster increased
self-awareness, self-control, and peace of mind.
Celibacy Awareness Month supports
those who are celibate by providing a platform for discussions and education on
the topic.
It’s a time to dispel misconceptions
about celibacy and promote understanding of its various dimensions.
By recognizing celibacy, the month
encourages a broader conversation about the diverse ways people choose to live
their lives and respect the decisions of others regarding their bodies and
relationships.
History of Celibacy Awareness
Month
Celibacy Awareness Month, observed
each June, provides a focused period for reflecting on the choice of living
without sexual activity, whether for personal, spiritual, or other reasons.
This observance isn’t just a modern
phenomenon but has historical roots that go deep into various cultural and
religious practices across the globe.
The concept of celibacy has been
valued in many religions for centuries. It has been especially significant in
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, where monks, nuns, and other religious
figures often take lifelong vows of celibacy as a commitment to spiritual and
personal growth.
This practice supports the idea that
by abstaining from sexual activity, one can achieve a higher degree of
spiritual focus and self-discipline.
The establishment of Celibacy
Awareness Month as a formal observance is more recent. It is designed to
promote the benefits of celibacy and encourage a broader public conversation
about it.
It aims to educate on the personal
empowerment that can come from celibacy and to support those who choose it in a
world where such choices might be misunderstood or overlooked.
The month serves as an opportunity to
discuss the varied reasons individuals might choose to abstain from sexual
activity, from personal choice and health reasons to spiritual beliefs.
This month not only raises awareness
but also supports individuals in their personal journeys. It offers them
community and understanding in a choice that is deeply personal and often
private.
How to Celebrate Celibacy
Awareness Month
Grab the popcorn and queue up films
that ponder the perks of being solo. Think of character-driven stories where
the protagonists discover themselves sans romantic entanglements.
It’s a really fun way to spark
dialogue about the joys of journeying alone!
Dive Into Books
Foster a book club this month focusing
on titles that explore themes of personal growth and self-discovery without
romantic involvement.
Choose narratives where characters
thrive on their terms. These are page-turning inspirations for those curious
about a celibate path!
Share Your Story
Why not start a blog or vlog series
this June? Share your thoughts or experiences regarding celibacy. Your journey
could light the way for others to contemplate this lifestyle.
Remember, every story shared is a
beacon for someone in the dark!
Organize a Workshop
Consider hosting a workshop that
delves into the whys and hows of celibacy. Invite speakers who are well-versed
in the psychological, health, and spiritual benefits of this choice.
It’s a fantastic way to spread
knowledge and shatter myths!
Create Art
Why not express your thoughts on
celibacy through art? Whether it’s painting, poetry, or music, creative
expressions can convey complex emotions and ideas beautifully.
Plus, it’s a splendid way to engage
the community and perhaps even inspire a gallery event!
Christopher's
Corner
National Fishing and Boating Week
National Fishing and
Boating Week began in 1979 as National Fishing Week. Its main goal was simple:
get more people hooked on fishing. In 2002, this week got a significant boost
when President George W. Bush declared it a national holiday.
This declaration
recognized fishing and boating as pastimes and as important parts of American
culture and lifestyle.
After political
instability in the early 1990s, Kuwait has returned to its modernizing path.
Its booming tourist industry makes use of the rich fishing on offer in the
Persian Gulf. Explore the wealth of islands a stone’s throw from shore and
discover these unearthed gems. With warm temperatures year-round, there’s never
a bad time to go fishing in Kuwait!
Don't Like the Water?
Stay at one of the Historic Historic Hotels in America
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: The
Pope
·
Eat waffles and Pray for the assistance of the Angels
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Religion in the Home for
Preschool: June
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Monday: Litany of
Humility
·
Rosary
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