Rachel’s Corner
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Cor. 9:6-8)
· Tomorrow is Black Friday
· do a personal eucharistic stations of the cross.
· How to celebrate Nov 28th
o Wake up on a chilly morning and start your day by creating a delicious French toast breakfast.
§ Spend some quality time with your furry friend – take your dog out for a long walk or cozy up for some cuddles.
· Look through old photo albums and trace your family health history to gain insight into your roots. Reflect on what you’re thankful for, jotting down a few notes or sharing your thoughts around the dinner table.
o If you’re feeling adventurous, try cooking up a traditional Albanian dish to honor their Independence Day.
§ Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for a burst of entertainment and grab a warm pumpkin spice latte while you enjoy the show.
· Later, engage in a friendly game of touch football in the backyard or park. Unwind with a good book or movie, letting the day’s festivities settle in.
o As the night winds down, step outside and gaze up at the stars to celebrate Red Planet Day. Learn a little more about our neighboring planet Mars and its mysteries.
Best Place to visit in November:
A trip to the Berkshires is like jumping into the pages of an Edith Wharton novel, with Gilded Age mansions and throes of New York City weekenders. (You can even visit Wharton’s own house and gardens.) You could easily spend a few days casually exploring the region’s antique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and luxury spas, but the main seasonal draw is, of course, the fall foliage—the trees are still colorful in mid-November here. Get the best views from the top of Mount Greylock, where you can see up to 90 miles away when the air is clear.
One of the best places to set up camp is Miraval Berkshires in the charming town of Lenox, where horse stables and cottage-style rooms will make you feel like you’re at an upscale sleepaway camp.
Thursday Feast
Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
Dinner Menu
NOVEMBER 28 Thursday-Thanksgiving
Day
French Toast Day-Blue Christmas
As soon as the demon smells the odor, it will flee and
never again show itself near her. Then when you are about to have intercourse
with her, both of you must first get up to pray. Beg the Lord of heaven that mercy
and protection be granted you. Do not be AFRAID,
for she was set apart for you before the world existed. You will save her, and
she will go with you. And I assume that you will have children by her, and they
will be like brothers for you. So do not worry.”
One wonders can we
dispel demons.
Tobit[1]
- The angel told him to burn the liver and
heart of the fish in the bridal chamber. The smell would chase the
demon away. At that moment, Tobias fell in love with Sarah, sight
unseen.
- Both parents were delighted to meet Tobias
and happy that he wanted to marry their daughter.
- The parties drew up a legal marriage
document according to the decree of Moses.
- Nonetheless, Edna, Sarah’s mother, cried
uncontrollably, and Raguel told his servants to go quietly to dig a grave
for the young man. Both parents were convinced the outcome would be
the same for the eighth husband – and they really liked this one.
- Edna’s name means “Pleasure.”
- As soon as the couple reached the bridal
chamber, Tobias did what Azariah told him to do. He burned the heart
and liver of the fish.
- The stench so repelled the demon that he
fled to the northern part of Egypt where Azariah followed him and bound
him hand and foot. He would never trouble Sarah again.
- Then Sarah
and Tobias prayed that the Lord would keep them safe. Afterwards,
they lay down to sleep. It is not known whether the marriage was
consummated that night.
How
to fight and remove evil spirits[2]
In the lives of dozens of Saints and Mystics one quickly discovers the role that God allows the demons to play for example in the lives of the mystic-saints. God Himself explains it when He said to St Gemma Galgani:
“You
will be trampled underfoot by the devils. Prepare yourself, my daughter, the
demon at My orders will be the one that will add the last touch to my plan that
I will accomplish in you, that is, your sanctification."
-And what an incredibly hellish war the devil waged against Gemma! Literally
every mystic that I have read have been assailed by the evil spirits through
the express permission of God. But then, why would God allow the demons to
attack the mystics or anyone for that matter?
It is to draw us closer to Himself.
God permits, at times, the devils to assail us, that we might turn to Him in
prayer, with a renewed trust in His love and concern for us. The extraordinary
priest St John Vianney, who's straw bed the devil tried to burn when he was
sleeping in it, once remarked that "the devil is like a dog on a chain.
He can only go so far as God permits." So the first rule to remember
is that God is always in absolute control, and the devil can do nothing
without God's permission. God always seeks to draw good out of everything, and
He can draw good even out of evil, if we let Him. An excellent example of how
God draws good out of evil is the Passion and Death of Jesus Himself. The
Gospel of John says that at the last supper Satan entered Judas and he then
went and betrayed Jesus. -You certainly know the story--Jesus was captured,
tortured, and was nailed to a Cross, and died a torturous death. But was the
death of the Son of God, this at act of pure evil, a victory for Satan and the demons?
No! -it was in fact Satan’s defeat,
because through Jesus' death on the cross we can be forgiven of our sins if we
desire to be. So, we can readily see how God can and does transform evil into
good.
So, how does all this correlate to
those who are battling with demons, and want to rid themselves of the evil
spirits?
Firstly, we need to look at how
Jesus fought and expelled and cast out the demons. Among others you will
certainly want to read Mark 5:1, Mark 1:23, and perhaps the most telling is
Mark 9:29 in which the apostles were unsuccessful in driving a demon out of a
boy. So afterwards they asked Jesus why they could not drive the demon out, and
Jesus replies: "This kind can only be driven out by prayer and
fasting." Prayer and fasting! Therein lies the primary spiritual
weapons to be used to get rid of demons and evil spirits. Jesus said prayer
first, because prayer is the first
and most important weapon
to be used against the devil. This cannot be emphasized enough! Prayer unites
us to God, and draws us closer to Him, and it is God alone who can free us from
the demonic presences. We can do nothing without He Whom sustains us! The other
weapon against the devil that Jesus mentions is fasting. This is
self-explanatory, but what is sometimes forgotten is the spirit that must
accompany fasting. We are too fast from food in a spirit of sacrifice in
reparation for our sins. Our sins are what separate us from God, so we are to
fast in a spirit of penance and reparation for our sins, to put us in the
proper disposition that God might forgive us of these sins. So, firstly prayer,
and then fasting done in a spirit of reparation for our sins, is the primary
recourse against evil spirits. The demons have no power over those who are
closely united to God in prayer, and who are in a state of grace.
The devil does not make peace treaties.
God
loves us. And because God loves us, the devil and the demons hate us, because
they hate God. "Cast all your
worries upon him because he cares for you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent
the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to
devour." (1 Peter 5:7) Satan and the demons do not make any
peace treaties. They know only war. They prowl about the world constantly
seeking to ruin our souls, to cause us to despair of God's mercy, and to drag
us to hell. So, we need to follow in Jesus' holy example and face the evil
spirits head on, with courage. We must
do battle and fight the good fight.
Eucharist/Confession/Rosary/Sacramentals
Catholics
are in a privileged position in the battle against the evil spirits, because
the Catholic Church has been fighting against the powers of hell since Jesus
instituted the Church upon Peter, the first Pope, and the Apostles (the
Bishops) some 2000 years ago. For in the Holy Gospel Jesus says: "You
are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell
will not prevail against it." (Matt 3:16) Along with prayer and
fasting Catholics have powerful weapons to be used in the fight against evil
presences. The most important of
these is Sacramental Confession (also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation)
where sins are confessed to God, and forgiveness of sins is obtained. A soul free from sin is in a state of grace
and has nothing to fear from the
devil! Along with Confession,
Mass and the frequent reception of the Eucharist are the most efficacious means
of battling evil. Also, prayers before the Blessed Sacrament
(Eucharistic adoration) is exceedingly powerful, because then one is praying
right at the feet of the Lord.
Crucifixes
The
devil flees from Jesus on the cross so if you do not already have one, get a
Crucifix and have it blessed by a priest, and place it in an appropriate and
worthy place in your home--and most especially, pray to Jesus before it each
day. Also, if you do not have one, get a crucifix on a necklace, get it blessed
and wear it with devotion and prayer.
Prayers to the Virgin Mary, the Saints and Angels
By
the express power and will of God, the most Blessed Virgin Mary, the Angels and
the Saints assist us in our battle with evil. Jesus gave us His Mother while He
was dying, hanging between heaven and earth upon the Cross (John 19:26). And
next to Jesus, our Mother in heaven is our greatest help and advocate against
the devil and his minions. And the greatest prayer asking for our Blessed
Mothers help is the most Holy Rosary. The
Rosary is a chain that binds evil spirits. Along with the Blessed Virgin
Mary certain Saints and Angels are especially powerful against the wickedness
of the devil. St Michael the Archangel for example---the prayer to him has been
recited for over a century and is exceedingly powerful---
"St Michael the archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke
him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O' Prince of the heavenly host, by the power
of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the
world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."
Throughout
the centuries, the relics of the Saints have shown to be exceedingly powerful
against the demons. Pray to the Saints, and if possible, keep a relic on your
person.
Catholic sacramental
Sacramentals,
especially holy water and blessed salt should be sprinkled in the affected
areas of the home, and the holy water and blessed salt should be sprinkled on
one's food and drink to protect from within. Along with the relics of the
Saints, blessed medals and holy cards carry with them the blessing of the
Catholic Church, and the protection of the Saint whose image is on the medal or
holy card. Also, the burning of blessed
candles and blessed incense is recognized to be a very powerful weapon
against the demons. And so, to summarize the spiritual weapons needed
to rid oneself or one's home of evil spirits: First and foremost is prayer
which draws us closer to God; fasting in a spirit of reparation for one's sins;
Confession; Holy Communion; Eucharistic adoration; Prayers to the Blessed
Virgin Mary, the Angels and Saints, asking for their heavenly help and
intercession; and the usage of Sacramentals (holy water, blessed salt, holy
cards, medals, burning of blessed candles and blessed incense etc.). Abandon
and renounce any sin in your life. Additionally, if your home appears to
be the source of the demonic infestation, then it would be very prudent to get
it blessed by a priest. Additional important
considerations in closing, those oppressed by evil spirits should remember that
faith, hope and love--most especially love, will help disarm the demons that
plague them or their dwelling. The devil seeks to drive us to the opposite of
faith, hope and love--that is doubt, despair and hatred---most especially despair.
Do not despair! Love and trust in Jesus and He will conquer and cast out the
evil spirits. Also, those who have ever engaged in dark practices such as
demonic worship, invoking and calling upon the dead (thru ouija boards, medium
and psychic practices etc) the occult, dark forms of witchcraft and wicca,
black magic etc. MUST RENOUNCE THESE PAST PRACTICES before God and sincerely
repent and ask for forgiveness for having engaged in them. Such practices
offend God and open a portal to the demonic, and therefore the portal must be closed through sincere
repentance and the desire for the mercy and forgiveness of God. Finally, ask
Jesus to pour out His precious blood upon you and your loved ones because the
precious blood of Jesus is infinitely powerful.
Thursday in the Octave of Christ the King
·
Meditate
on the virtues of Mary (Humility, Generosity, Chastity, Patience, Temperance,
Understanding/love and Wisdom. One for each day.
·
attend
Mass daily or via EWTN or the internet
·
Fast
doing the Daniel
fast (Monday-Saturday).
· Exercise-Universal Man Plan.
The Virtue of Patience[3]
CHRIST
tells you:
MY
CHILD, I came down from Heaven for your salvation and perfection. Not only did
I make reparation for your sins, but I also gave you an example of the virtues
which you need in order to gain eternal life. I took upon Myself your daily
trials and difficulties, in order to show you how to deal with them.
One of the virtues
which you often need in your daily life is patience. I had to practice a great
deal of patience with the people around Me during My earthly life. I had to
bear the same things which annoy and irritate you. I bore these trials with
patience. Meditate on My patience and pray for the wisdom and strength to
imitate Me in this holy virtue.
Consider
how I treat My loyal followers. I do not send them an easy life, but one which
demands great patience, not many earthly joys, but many trials; not honors, but
contempt and hatred; not ease, but endless labors. Through their unwavering
patience they earn a crown of unending glory.
Some are willing to suffer only what they choose to endure. Others can be patient with certain people, but not with everyone. A truly patient man, however, makes no exceptions and sets no conditions as to when, or with whom he will be patient. One who possesses supernatural patience does not consider what kind of people cause his trial; whether they are superiors, equals, or inferiors, whether they are well meaning or malicious. He is interested only in taking this trial as though I were handing it to him. As long as the matter does not require him to defend his rights, or to correct the people involved, he is willing to bear his trial for My sake.
THINK:
The supernatural virtue of patience is an act of love for God shown by the
disregard of one’s own convenience or inconvenience. It is another form of
self-giving. Jesus could have saved me with far less inconvenience to Himself.
He endured much more for me than He needed to. That was His way of showing His
love for me. If I fix my eyes on Him, I shall never again say that I can take
anything except this or that. I shall be willing to suffer anything for Jesus.
I shall lose sight of the people involved and see only Jesus.
PRAY:
Dear patient Jesus, who can describe the boundless love with which You suffered
so many trials in Your daily life? Can I think of this and still refuse to
practice greater patience in my own life? You are still practicing patience
with me, as You wait for me to come to my senses and start practicing a bit of
humility in my daily life. If I were truly humble, I would find it easy to be
patient. I deserve far worse than what I now suffer in my daily life.
Therefore, I shall be patient with the trials which come along. Someday I may
rise to a higher generosity with You. I may even reach the joy which Your
saints had in suffering for You. I must, however, begin today. I hope to face
my problems and annoyances with patience, for Your sake, my Jesus. Amen.
Thanksgiving
Day[4]
Thanksgiving
Day is a celebration of giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past
year. It is a day of giving thanks to God for his many blessings and expressing
our gratitude to friends and family members. It is celebrated in the United
States. Thanksgiving Day dates back to the Reformation Period and is
accompanied by prayers, special ceremonies, and feasts. Thanksgiving is
observed on the fourth Thursday in November each year.
Thanksgiving
Day Facts & Quotes
·
The
first Thanksgiving Day feast was held in 1621 between the Plymouth colonists
and the Wampanoag Indians.
·
In
1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a
national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
·
According
to the US Government Census, in 2014, 242 million turkeys were raised in the
United States.
·
President
Franklin D. Roosevelt established the fourth Thursday in November as the
official Thanksgiving Day in 1941.
·
Thanksgiving
is almost here. It's my favorite holiday, which is surprising since I'm
no fan of giving or saying thanks. - Stephen Colbert
Thanksgiving Day Top Events and
Things to Do
·
Watch
or attend a Parade. The largest are the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in
New York and the McDonalds Thanksgiving parade in Chicago.
·
Eat
lots of traditional Thanksgiving food including turkey, cranberry sauce, and
sweet potatoes.
·
Watch
or attend a football game. Besides NFL, there are many college and high
school football games on this day.
·
Go
running or do some other form of exercise in the morning - so you won't feel so
guilty indulging in a grand Thanksgiving meal.
·
Talk
to relatives and friends by phone, email, or internet to remind them how
thankful you are that they are all part of your life.
Thanksgiving:
Plimoth Plantation Plymouth, Massachusetts[5]
At Plimoth Plantation, it’s always 1627.
The living museum and its costumed “residents” re-create New England’s first
successful European settlement as well as a Native village. Thanksgiving dinner
has its roots in a harvest celebration that 52 Pilgrims shared with 90 members
of the Wampanoag tribe in 1621, one year after the settlers sailed from
England. It included fowl (probably ducks and geese rather than turkey),
venison, corn, and most likely fresh and dried fruits and vegetables. Every
fall Plimoth Plantation re-creates a harvest meal from that period as well as
serving a classic American Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving Antarctica
1973
from “The Ice is Nice
& chee chee is Peachy” by ME.
Growing up in Arizona and living in the desert
Thanksgiving was always sunny and usually warm as well as a little
disappointing because of no snow. In school we would sing, “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmothers
house we would go…through the white and wintery snow.” I had visions but no
real experience. All that change when I joined the Navy and became a structural
steelworker and was assigned to build a station for the National Science
Foundation at the geographic South Pole in October 1973. It was the summertime
in Antarctic and the sun stayed up and would not set March 1974. Although it
was the summer the temperatures still were belong zero and averaged around 45
below zero. We worked two 12 hour shifts 24 hours a day. We were in a hurry to
complete the project before the sun went down. Sundays were half days so we
could attend religious services. We were not going to stop work for
Thanksgiving or Christmas. Then all that changed.
The evening of November 21st there was a
big party that night—because by of a proclamation from President Nixon we were
having the entire Thanksgiving Day off!
The guys were excited. Some of the guys were planning to go over to the
Old South Pole Station club but I was a little tired I thought I would just
take it easy.
Proclamation
4255 - Thanksgiving Day, 1973
November
16, 1973
By
the President of the United States of America
A
Proclamation
In the first Thanksgiving, man affirmed
his determination to live in God’s grace and to act in God’s will on the shores
of a new land of promise. In this Thanksgiving season we reaffirm that
determination.
Time has not dimmed, not circumstance
diminished the need for God’s hand in all that America may justly endeavor. In
times of trial and of triumph that single truth reasserts itself, and a people
who have never bowed before men go gladly to their knees in submission to
divine power, and in thanks for divine sustenance.
On this Thanksgiving Day we mark the
10th anniversary of the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy. As we give
thanks for the bounty and goodness of our land, therefore, let us also pause to
reflect on President Kennedy’s contributions to the life of this Nation we love
so dearly.
Those who celebrated the first
thanksgiving had endured hardship and loss, but they kept alive their hope and
their faith. Throughout our history, each generation has endured hardship and
loss, but our faith and trust in God’s providence has remained undiminished. At
this first thanksgiving in twelve years in which the United States will have
been at peace, we see that God’s grace also remain undiminished. For this we
give thanks.
Now, Therefore, I, Richard M. Nixon,
President of the United States of America, in accordance with the wish of the
Congress as expressed in Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code, do
hereby proclaim Thursday, November 22, 1973, as a day of national thanksgiving,
and concurrently, a day of prayer for the memory of John F. Kennedy. Let all
Americans unite on this day, giving thanks for the manifold blessings
vouchsafed our people, and inviting all of those less fortunate than ourselves
to share in those blessings in God’s name, for His sake, and for our own.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand this sixteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred seventy-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the one hundred ninety-eight.
Club 250
Brillo, my best friend, and I decided to use the
day off to head on over to the Old South Pole ourselves. It was about a half a mile away, but it took
us a lot longer than we thought. It was
slow trekking the distance through the loose snow. Along the way, we passed a railroad sign that
some humorous people put up out there.
When we got there, our intent was
After our outing we then we headed back to our camp
for our Thanksgiving dinner meticulously prepared for our delights. It was a
great feast. After we ate our Thanksgiving meal, watched movies, and we then of
course stopped off at the Last Chance Saloon where we sang, “Over the river and
through the woods to Grandmothers house we would go…through the white and
wintery snow.” It was indeed a Thanksgiving to remember.
The Mass: The Perfect Thanksgiving[6]
Men
have not only prayed in thanksgiving but have offered in thanksgiving:
something that was a sign of themselves, to show they were thankful for life,
were sorry for their sins against the Giver of life, would give their lives in
return, if they might, to the One they owe so much. They made offerings in
thanks for the things that sustain life, for the preservation of life.
"Abel also offered of the firstlings of his flock, and of their
fat." . . . "So Noe went out, he and his sons,
his wife and the wives of his sons . . . all living things
went out of the ark. And Noe built an altar unto the Lord: and taking of all
cattle and fowl that were dean, offered holocausts upon the
altar. . . ." They made bloody offerings, because the
offering is a symbol of the offerer, and blood is the essence of life. Blood is
life. There were other offerings. . . . "Melchidesech,
the king of Salem, bringing forth bread and wine, for he was the priest of the
most high God, blessed him and said: Blessed be Abram by the most high God, who
created heaven and earth." . . . Because bread maintains
life, and wine enhances life. God told them what to sacrifice, and how to
sacrifice; but especially He told them to make the sacrifice of the Pasch,
because it was a memorial to their freedom and their protection, a memorial of
thanksgiving to the God who loved them. ". . . and it shall
be a lamb without blemish, a male, one year . . . and the
whole multitude of the children of Israel shall sacrifice it in the
evening." . . . "And this day shall be a memorial unto
you: and you shall keep it a feast to the Lord . . . for
with a strong hand the Lord hath brought you out of this place." He
brought them through water, led them by fire, fed them with manna, and when
they sinned against Him, He chastised them and accepted their sacrifices of
expiation. He made it part of their Law, their Covenant, that they were to
offer sacrifice: of reparation, of petition, of praise, of thanksgiving.
Then
Christ came.
When it was time for the thing to happen for which, He came, He said to the Apostles: "This is My body, which is being given for you; do this, in remembrance of Me." And He said: "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which shall be shed for you." This was the new covenant, the new Pasch . . . "in My blood," He said. From that moment on they were to make sacrifice "in My blood." The offering is a symbol of the offerer. Blood is the essence of life. This is our gift to offer: His Body and Blood, every day. Think of all the things the Redemption accomplished, and do not forget this last: to put into our hands the perfect Gift, the pure Victim — "holy and spotless, the holy bread of everlasting life and the chalice of everlasting salvation." With the sacrifice of Holy Mass, Catholics make their thanksgiving.
Ferdinand
Magellan’s[7] three ships reached CAPE DESIRE on November 28, 1520, and crossed from the Atlantic to the Pacific via
the straits of Magellan.
The late Senator McCain states Ferdinand Magellan was a man who is the
best example of the virtue of Aspiration.
He left the service of one king and won the support of another so that he
could pursue an ambition as big as the world he discovered. Ferdinand Magellan
claimed the most daunting and marvelous prize. By the greatest feat of
seamanship in history, he was the first European to go around the unknown
world. At court, the young Magellan received an excellent education in the arts
and sciences as well as the martial arts. In 1505, he joined the fleet of the
first Portuguese governor of India, and over the course of several years’
service became a skilled navigator and a brave and capable soldier of fortune.
Soldiers of fortune were constantly searching for a faster route to the prized
Spice Islands. Whether Magellan had indeed reached them while he was in service
to the Portuguese crown, there is little doubt that like all adventurers of the
age, he held them as the richest prize on earth, and surely dreamed of sharing
in the wealth and reputation they offered. Magellan believed that a passage
between the Atlantic Ocean and that uncharted sea to the west, and through it a
western route to the Spice Islands, existed at the unexplored end of the South
American continent. He was determined to locate it. On September 10, 1519, five
small ships, the San Antonio, the Concepción, the Victoria, the Santiago, and
the Trinidad, carrying 265 men, a sizable arsenal of arms and munitions, and a
less-than-adequate store of food and water, left the Spanish port of San Lucar
de Barrameda for South America. The ships’ captains were Spaniards. The fleet’s
ultimate destination was kept secret from the ships’ crews, who believed that
they were sailing for South America, and not for the unknown world beyond its
shores. It would not have been possible to find a crew willing to embark on such
a perilous, if not impossible, journey. Their Portuguese commander, Ferdinand
Magellan, sailed aboard the Trinidad, flying the imperial standard of Spain,
the flag of Castile. Only one of the ships would ever return.
Stella
Maris Chapel, Cape Horn Island
Next to the lighthouse
on Cape Horn Island lies a tiny wooden chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary. It serves the sacramental needs of the researchers and staff at this
station, which lies between South America’s Tierra de Fuego and the
Antarctic continent. The first Catholic, let alone human being, to visit the
area was Ferdinand Magellan on his round-the-world-trip across the straits that
still bear his name. Oddly, the 90 researchers and support staff of the Italian
Mario Zucchelli Station at Terra Nova Bay don’t have a permanent chapel,
despite lay Italian Catholics offering to build one for free. In fact, a German
shipping company offered to transport the prefab chapel to Terra Nova Bay
gratis. Despite this, the Italian government is dragging its feet, to the
detriment of the devout scientists and staff on the base. The Worldwide
Antarctic Program (WAP) is spearheading the construction of a Catholic chapel
at the base. So far, the plan is on ice.
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to
Eucharistic Glory[8]
Want to start a small group? Download our 33
Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day 2
On this 2nd day
seek to give all your strength to doing God’s will.
Copilot:
Committing
your strength to doing God's will is a profound and noble endeavor. Here are
some ways to align your actions and thoughts with this goal:
Daily
Practices
- Prayer and Meditation: Start
and end your day with prayer, asking for guidance and strength to carry
out God's will.
- Scripture Reading: Spend time
reading and reflecting on sacred texts. They can provide inspiration and
direction.
- Service to Others: Look for
opportunities to help those in need. Acts of kindness and service are
powerful ways to live out your faith.
Mindful
Actions
- Seek God’s Guidance: Before
making decisions, pause to ask for divine wisdom and clarity.
- Act with Love and Compassion:
Let your actions be driven by love, patience, and compassion for others.
- Live with Integrity: Strive to
be honest, just, and faithful in all aspects of your life.
Community
and Support
- Engage in Worship: Regularly participate
in worship services and community activities. Fellowship with others can
strengthen your resolve and provide mutual support.
- Share Your Journey: Talk about
your experiences and insights with others. This can inspire and encourage
both you and those around you.
- Seek Accountability: Find a
mentor or a group of like-minded individuals who can support you and hold
you accountable in your spiritual journey.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Day
169
The
mystagogy of the celebration
1234 The meaning
and grace of the sacrament of Baptism are clearly seen in the rites of its
celebration. By following the gestures and words of this celebration with
attentive participation, the faithful are initiated into the riches this
sacrament signifies and actually brings about in each newly baptized person.
1235 The
sign of the cross, on the threshold of the celebration, marks with the imprint
of Christ the one who is going to belong to him and signifies the grace of the
redemption Christ won for us by his cross.
1236 The
proclamation of the Word of God enlightens the candidates and the assembly with
the revealed truth and elicits the response of faith, which is inseparable from
Baptism. Indeed Baptism is "the sacrament of faith" in a particular
way, since it is the sacramental entry into the life of faith.
1237 Since
Baptism signifies liberation from sin and from its instigator the devil, one or
more exorcisms are pronounced over the candidate. the celebrant then anoints
him with the oil of catechumens, or lays his hands on him, and he explicitly
renounces Satan. Thus prepared, he is able to confess the faith of the Church,
to which he will be "entrusted" by Baptism.
1238 The
baptismal water is consecrated by a prayer of epiclesis (either at this moment
or at the Easter Vigil). the Church asks God that through his Son the power of
the Holy Spirit may be sent upon the water, so that those who will be baptized
in it may be "born of water and the Spirit."
1239 The
essential rite of the sacrament follows: Baptism properly speaking. It
signifies and actually brings about death to sin and entry into the life of the
Most Holy Trinity through configuration to the Paschal mystery of Christ.
Baptism is performed in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the
baptismal water. However, from ancient times it has also been able to be
conferred by pouring the water three times over the candidate's head.
1240 In the
Latin Church this triple infusion is accompanied by the minister's words:
"N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit." In the Eastern liturgies the catechumen turns toward the
East and the priest says: "The servant of God, N., is baptized in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." At the invocation
of each person of the Most Holy Trinity, the priest immerses the candidate in
the water and raises him up again.
1241 The
anointing with sacred chrism, perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop, signifies
the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized, who has become a Christian,
that is, one "anointed" by the Holy Spirit, incorporated into Christ
who is anointed priest, prophet, and king.
1242 In the liturgy of the Eastern Churches, the post-baptismal anointing is the sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation). In the Roman liturgy the post-baptismal anointing announces a second anointing with sacred chrism to be conferred later by the bishop Confirmation, which will as it were "confirm" and complete the baptismal anointing.
1243 The
white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has "put on
Christ," has risen with Christ. the candle, lit from the Easter
candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte. In him the baptized
are "the light of the world."
The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God entitled to say the
prayer of the children of God: "Our Father."
1244 First
Holy Communion. Having become a child of God clothed with the wedding garment,
the neophyte is admitted "to the marriage supper of the
Lamb" and receives the food of the new life, the body and blood of
Christ. the Eastern Churches maintain a lively awareness of the unity of
Christian initiation by giving Holy Communion to all the newly baptized and
confirmed, even little children, recalling the Lord's words: "Let the
children come to me, do not hinder them." The Latin Church, which
reserves admission to Holy Communion to those who have attained the age of
reason, expresses the orientation of Baptism to the Eucharist by having the
newly baptized child brought to the altar for the praying of the Our Father.
1245 The
solemn blessing concludes the celebration of Baptism. At the Baptism of
newborns, the blessing of the mother occupies a special place.
French Toast Day[9]
There’s a blend that just makes our morning fantastic, and it’s a blending of eggs, milk, and cinnamon with bread dipped in. There’s something about the savory sweet smell of it, and the anticipation of having it painted with butter and drizzled with syrup, with a side of breakfast sausage and a tall glass of orange juice that’ll get us out of bed on even the worst of days. French Toast Day is honoring this amazing breakfast delight and encourages you to enjoy it for breakfast with a few friends. The breakfast favorite French toast goes by many names depending on where it’s being served up – eggy bread, German toast, poor knights’ pudding, Bombay toast – but it’s always made of the same key ingredients. Egg, milk – or cream – and bread. This delicious, sweet snack is often served with sugar or syrup and fruit and consists of bread slices fried in a mixture of milk and egg. In France, its name is ‘pain perdu’, which literally means ‘lost bread’, because it would often be made with stale or old bread. Although we tend to call it French Bread, the dish isn’t known to have come from France. Some ancient Latin recipes from the 4th century mention soaking bread in milk before frying, and in fourteenth Century Germany the term ‘poor knights’ pudding’ was coined for the sweet treat because it was seen as an affordable meal for those without too much money to spend. Today, it’s eaten across the world as a breakfast meal or a sweet snack. In Italy, there’s a savory version, called ‘mozzarella en carrozza’, which sees the egg-soaked bread sandwiching slices of mozzarella cheese before it is fried. Its name literally means ‘mozzarella in a carriage’. So you can have eggy bread for your main meal, and your pudding!
How to Celebrate
French Toast Day
So how can
you celebrate French Toast Day? If you’ve got any stale bread in the kitchen,
this is a great way to use it up. The recipe tends to call for bread that’s at
least a day old because older slices will be able to soak up the tasty egg and
milk mixture without falling apart. Then, once you’ve fried it up, you can
slather on as much jam, syrup, fruit or honey as you like. If you’re feeling
extra indulgent, why not pop a swirl of cream on top?
Blue
Christmas[10]
Christmas normally is a time for joy. Decorations are set up, parties ensue, presents are given, and laughter commences. Not many people realize that those in law enforcement work tirelessly during the holiday season to keep people safe. Blue Christmas is a holiday dedicated to those who work in that field, giving them an opportunity to be thanked for their services and celebrate Christmas their own way. While Elvis made the term “A Blue Christmas” popular to describe Christmas blues, this holiday is for those who work in law enforcement, such as police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers. For them, it is rough. Long nights in the wet, cold snow or long nights in the office can be particularly dangerous, especially for those who have the potential factor of being shot at, having emotional trauma from an emergency situation, and so forth. Because of their job, they keep people safe and save lives, but it comes at a cost. They miss out on spending time with their families and lose out on enjoying what Christmas is all about. That’s why when it comes to the holiday season, Blue Christmas gives people a chance to give to others by giving gifts and thanking them for their services. While some may be cheerful doing their job, because they know that Christmas is about helping others, Blue Christmas helps raise awareness for the behind-the-scenes action that the people working in law enforcement and the medical field are the ones truly making the holiday seasons special. With the potential dangers involved, they deserved their thanks and gifts the most.
How to celebrate Blue Christmas
To take part in a Blue Christmas,
you can easily do so by displaying a blue light throughout the winter holidays.
It can be a single porch light, blue candles in the window, or blue Christmas
lights as part of the display. If you know someone who works in law enforcement
or the medical industry, buy or make them a gift and take the time out to thank
them for what they do to keep society and the holidays going. Share this
holiday on social media using the hashtag #bluechristmas and let everyone know
how important it is to see those who don’t ask for much in return.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Binding
and suppressing the Devils Evil works.
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Go to MASS
·
Rosary
[3]https://catholic-restoration.com/2019/11/30/the-virtue-of-patience/
[5]Schultz,
Patricia. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die
[7]Character
Is Destiny Inspiring Stories Every Young
Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember is a 2005 book by United States Senator John
McCain with Mark Salter.
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