Dara’s Corner-I was born in Hawaii
· Mauna Loa eruption began, 2022
· How to celebrate Nov 27th
o Wake up early and savor the flavor of Bavarian cream pie for breakfast.
o Get crafty by making your own jerky snacks to enjoy throughout the day.
o Wear a pin to mark Pins and Needles Day, celebrating creativity and innovation.
o Visit a local zoo and consider adopting a turtle or donate to a turtle conservation organization.
o Attend a community event or virtual workshop to learn about the history and culture of Lancashire.
o Embrace the spirit of each holiday by trying new things, whether it’s indulging in a sweet treat, creating something unique, supporting animal welfare, or learning about different traditions.
o Share your experiences on social media to spread awareness and inspire others to get involved.
o Today is Bruce Lee’s birthday so whatever you do today KICK it.
NOVEMBER 27 Wednesday
in the Octave of Christ the King
OUR
LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL
Revelation, Chapter 15, Verse 4
Who will not FEAR you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All
the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been
revealed.”
We
glorify God when we are righteous as he is righteous who makes the rain fall on
both the good and the evil.
A righteous person, no matter how blameless, will
always take humanity’s failures personally. A righteous person has reverence for both God and those He created.
Reverence
is "a feeling
or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration". The
word "reverence" in the modern day is often used in relationship with
religion. This is because religion often stimulates the emotion through
recognition of God, the supernatural, and the ineffable. Reverence involves a
humbling of the self in respectful recognition of something perceived to be
greater than the self. Thus, religion is commonly a place where reverence is
felt. However, similar to awe, reverence is an emotion in its own right and can
be felt outside of the realm of religion. Whereas awe may be characterized as an
overwhelming "sensitivity to greatness," reverence is seen more as
"acknowledging a subjective response to something excellent in a personal
(moral or spiritual) way, but qualitatively above oneself" Solomon describes awe as passive, but
reverence as active, noting that the feeling of awe (i.e., becoming awestruck)
implies paralysis, whereas feelings of reverence are associated more with
active engagement and responsibility toward that which one reveres. Nature, science, literature, philosophy, great
philosophers, leaders, artists, art, music, wisdom, and beauty may each act as
the stimulus and focus of reverence.[1]
Wednesday in the Octave of Christ the King
·
attend
Mass daily or via EWTN or the internet.
·
Mediate
on the virtues of Mary (Humility, Generosity, Chastity, Patience,
Temperance, Understanding/love and Wisdom. One for each day.
·
Fast
doing the Daniel fast (Monday-Saturday).
·
Exercise-Universal Man Plan.
Chasity a gift[2]
Chastity is sexual self-control. It means placing sexual intimacy within one relationship and one relationship only: marriage.
Although we've used the word
abstinence in this book and have encouraged you to abstain from premarital sex,
we actually prefer the term chastity when talking about sexual morality.
Abstinence is about what you cannot
do (engage in sexual intimacy). Chastity is about what you can do:
lead a positive lifestyle that respects self and others. For centuries,
chastity has been an admired moral virtue. Author Pat Driscoll defines chastity
as sexual goodness living out the truth, beauty, and goodness of human
sexuality. In one of her pamphlets, God's Plan for Sex, Driscoll boldly states
Sex is great! and then lists some reasons why it is:
- God
created sex, and it's wonderful.
- God
gave us operating instructions for sex (in the Bible).
- Only
the abuse of sex (through fornication, adultery, masturbation,
etc.) is wrong.
- Following
God's law brings joy.
- Disobeying
God's law brings unhappiness and problems for ourselves and society.
- God
has given us many ways to express our sexuality genitally (in marriage)
and non-genitally (outside of marriage).
Chastity applies to everybody, unmarried
people and married people. How?
For unmarried people (both
those planning to marry and those who intend to remain single), chastity means
staying pure in thought and deed, refraining from sexual intercourse and other
forms of deliberate genital arousal, and expressing one's sexuality in
non-genital ways.
For married people, chastity
means having sex only with your marriage partner. This form of promised
faithfulness between husbands and wives giving themselves sexually only to each
other, never to anyone else is also known as fidelity. Chastity in marriage
also means keeping sex open to life.
Celibacy is a special form of
chastity. People with a religious vocation for example, priests, brothers, and
nuns take a vow of celibacy. As part of their deep commitment to God and
sacrificial service to God's people, they promise to lead a life that excludes
all forms of genital sexual intimacy.
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal[3]
In
the year 1830, Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Laboure, a Daughter of
Charity in Paris, and told her that God had a mission for her. Standing upon a
globe, the Virgin Mary held a golden ball which she seemed to offer to God, and
on her fingers were rings with gems that emitted rays of light. She told St.
Catherine, "These rays symbolize the graces I shed upon those who ask for
them. The gems from which rays do not fall are the graces for which souls
forget to ask. The Blessed Virgin instructed St. Catherine to have a medal made
of these images, and she promised many graces to all who wear it.
Highlights and Things
to Do:
- Read
the inspiring story of the converson of Alphonse
Ratisbonne. For a an entire book on the subject see The conversion of Marie-Alphonse Ratisbonne by
Bussieres, Theodore de, Baron.
- Read
more about the Miraculous Medal at the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal and obtain
a free Miraculous Medal.
- Read
the biography of St. Catherine Labouré by Fr. Joseph Dirvin, Saint Catherine Laboure of the Miraculous Medal.
Meaning of the Medal[4]
The Front
Here, we see a woman, the Mother of God, encircled by a
short and famous prayer: "O Mary conceived without sin. . . . " Being
conceived without sin—the mystery of her Immaculate Conception—means that from
the beginning this woman was full of grace. Mary stands on a globe, the world.
Around her feet a twisted serpent, the devil, struggles for mastery. It is a
conflict between good and evil. Satan's is a world of darkness and disgrace;
Mary's is a world of light and grace. But hers is the victory won by Christ—the
light of the world. So, we see the light and grace of Christ flowing from her
hands; and those who choose grace rather than darkness turn to her for help:
"pray for us who have recourse to thee."
The Back
On the back of the medal, we see a large letter M with a
cross above it. M is for Mary and Mother because she is indeed the Mother of
God's people—a people founded on the twelve Apostles, signified by the twelve
stars arranged around the rim. The two hearts are those of Jesus and Mary.
God's message for Mary was one of suffering "a sword will pierce your
heart too"—just as the heart of her Son would be pierced by a soldier's
lance. The showing of the two hearts in one grand alliance is a reminder of
God's love for us. Mother and Son are united in the work of redemption as
Christ offers himself on the cross and Mary stands compassionately at his feet,
assenting in faith so that the world might be saved. The medal, then, is a
summary in itself of the Church's teaching on Our Lady—a mini-catechism of the
faith for everyone.
The MI Movement
One of the most celebrated cases of a conversion, through
the use of the Miraculous Medal, was that of the agnostic, Alphonse Ratisbonne.
In January 1917, while still a seminarian at the Conventual Franciscan Friars'
Seraphicum in Rome, St. Maximilian Kolbe heard the Miraculous Medal conversion
story of Ratisbonne. This wonderful account inspired St. Maximilian to
recognize the powerful role that God had given Mary in the work of leading
people to conversion and growth in holiness. He understood that the Miraculous
Medal symbolized her active presence in the Church as Mediatrix of All Graces.
For the next nine months St. Maximilian meditated upon the Miraculous Medal,
the apparition of Our Lady to St. Catherine Laboure, and the marvel of
Ratisbonne's conversion.
On the evening of October 16, 1917, St. Maximilian was
ready to put these Marian insights into a concrete plan of action. He gathered
six Franciscan companions in a room at their seminary on Rome's Via San Teodoro
to establish what he called in Latin the Militia Immaculatae (MI), that is, the
"Knights of the Immaculata." This movement, which now numbers
millions of members worldwide, would bind people together around one compelling
and fruitful ideal: spiritual union with Mary the Immaculata. This ideal would
attract various kinds and classes of people (clergy, religious, and laity),
stirring each to form a person-to-person relationship with Mary by means of the
"Act of Total Consecration," and entrustment of self to her.
St. Maximilian made the Miraculous Medal the insignia of
the MI movement. He recommended that people wear it as an external sign of
their Total Consecration to the Immaculata. Mindful of Mary's promise to St.
Catherine that "all who wear it will receive great graces," St.
Maximilian saw the medal as a means of safeguarding the consecration. It
reminds MIs that by their consecration they are to belong to Mary, work for
her, and become one with her, so that she might act through them as her instruments.
The Miraculous Medal helps MIs to love Jesus through Mary,
so as to hasten the transformation of individuals, families, and society into a
"civilization of love."
Purpose of the MI:
Pursue the conversion and growth in holiness of all people,
under the sponsorship of the Blessed and Immaculate Virgin Mary.
May I join the
MI?
All Catholics are welcome to join. One's "work"
in the MI is simply to live the spirit of Total Consecration to Mary as taught
by the saints and popes. MIs try to bring the presence of Mary into daily life,
by offering up daily duties, prayers, sufferings, and good works for the
conversion and sanctification of souls. MIs need not attend meetings, nor pay
dues, nor follow complicated rules.
Miraculous Medal Invocation Prayer
O Mary conceived without sin, pray
for us
who have recourse to you, and for all who do
not have recourse to you, especially the enemies
of the Church and those recommended to you.
Meditation Prayer with the Miraculous Medal
Mary, this medal is a sign and a
guarantee of your presence. You are present because your power is present, your
voice is present, and your love is present. Therefore, O wonderful Sinless
Woman and our Mystical Mother, we call on you now to fulfill your guarantee.
Bring us the great graces you promised to those who carry this medal,
especially to those who wear it around their neck. Make us perceive our
presence now and always. Make us consciously experience your power, your love
and your guidance, that in their strength we may begin to share in your perfect
response to God and to each of his creatures and join in your war with the
ancient Serpent. Help us utterly abandon our self-centered feelings and
preoccupations. Help us hear and understand you. Teach us to listen and learn.
Help us respond to you today and always; that made one with you we might more
fully respond with the rest of the Church to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
participating in their life and unity.
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[5]
Overview: At critical times throughout Salvation History, God's people
have been invited to consecrate themselves. We are at one of those critical
times in history, and consecrate ourselves, our families, our country, and
indeed, the whole world to the Eucharist may make all the difference.
33 Days to Eucharistic Glory is the first ever Eucharistic Consecration.
This unprecedented spiritual resource presents profound truths, astonishing
historical facts, powerful practical examples, a daily virtue to adopt,
extraordinary prayers, and inspiring stories—all in an easy-to-follow daily
format.
Life is a pilgrimage. It is a sacred journey toward our eternal home
with God. Learn what it means to be a pilgrim in a world that’s constantly
trying to reduce you to a tourist and consumer. Journey with Mother Teresa,
John Paul II, Thérèse of Lisieux, Maximilian Kolbe, Thomas Aquinas, Sister
Faustina, the Children of Fatima, and Mary the Mother of God to experience
Jesus in the Eucharist like never before.
Prepare yourself for an explosion of grace in your life. Grace is the
assistance God gives us to do what is good, true, noble, and right. And there
is no better way to receive God's grace than through the Eucharist. Over the
next thirty-three days you will learn how these great saints and others lived
in Eucharistic Glory.
This extraordinary spiritual guide will forever change the way you spend
time with Jesus in the Eucharist.
Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Iceman's Reflection-Day 1
On this first day seek to give your entire mind to God
through the virtue of Humility.
Copilot:
Incorporating Humility
into Your Spiritual Practice
Starting with humility
sets a strong foundation for any spiritual journey. Here are some ways you can
bring humility into your daily life and spiritual practices:
Reflective Practices
- Daily Reflection: Spend a few
minutes each day reflecting on your actions, thoughts, and feelings.
Acknowledge both your strengths and weaknesses.
- Prayer or Meditation: Use this time to
seek guidance and express gratitude for the support and wisdom you
receive.
- Journaling: Write about moments where you
practiced humility and areas where you could improve. This can help you
track your progress and stay mindful.
Actions of Humility
- Service to Others: Engage in acts of
service and kindness without expecting anything in return. This could be
volunteering, helping a neighbor, or even small daily acts of kindness.
- Listening More: Make a conscious effort to
listen to others without interrupting or preparing your response. Truly
understanding others’ perspectives can deepen your empathy.
- Admitting Faults: When you make a
mistake, acknowledge it openly and seek to make amends. This can be
difficult but is a powerful act of humility.
Mindful Living
- Simple Living: Focus on what you need rather
than what you want. This could mean decluttering your space, simplifying
your routines, or practicing contentment with what you have.
- Gratitude: Regularly express gratitude
for the small and large blessings in your life. This helps shift your
focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant.
- Learning from Others: Approach every
person and situation as a learning opportunity. Be open to the lessons
they offer, whether they’re pleasant or challenging.
Catechism of the Catholic
Church
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN
MYSTERY
SECTION TWO-THE SEVEN
SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
CHAPTER ONE-THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN
INITIATION
Article 1-THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
III. How is the Sacrament of Baptism
Celebrated?
Day
168
Christian
Initiation
1229 From
the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a
journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly
or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present:
proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion,
profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and
admission to Eucharistic communion.
1230 This
initiation has varied greatly through the centuries according to circumstances.
In the first centuries of the Church, Christian initiation saw considerable
development. A long period of catechumenate included a series of preparatory
rites, which were liturgical landmarks along the path of catechumenal
preparation and culminated in the celebration of the sacraments of Christian
initiation.
1231 Where
infant Baptism has become the form in which this sacrament is usually
celebrated, it has become a single act encapsulating the preparatory stages of
Christian initiation in a very abridged way. By its very nature infant Baptism
requires a post-baptismal catechumenate. Not only is there a need for
instruction after Baptism, but also for the necessary flowering of baptismal
grace in personal growth. The catechism has its proper place here.
1232 The second Vatican Council restored for the Latin Church "the catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps." The rites for these stages are to be found in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The Council also gives permission that: "In mission countries, in addition to what is furnished by the Christian tradition, those elements of initiation rites may be admitted which are already in use among some peoples insofar as they can be adapted to the Christian ritual."
1233 Today
in all the rites, Latin and Eastern, the Christian initiation of adults begins
with their entry into the catechumenate and reaches its culmination in a single
celebration of the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and
the Eucharist. In the Eastern rites the Christian initiation of infants
also begins with Baptism followed immediately by Confirmation and the
Eucharist, while in the Roman rite it is followed by years of catechesis before
being completed later by Confirmation and the Eucharist, the summit of their
Christian initiation.
Every Wednesday is
Dedicated to St. Joseph
The Italian culture has
always had a close association with St. Joseph perhaps you could make
Wednesdays centered around Jesus’s Papa. Plan an Italian dinner of pizza or
spaghetti after attending Mass as most parishes have a Wednesday evening Mass.
You could even do carry out to help restaurants. If you are adventurous, you
could do the Universal Man Plan: St. Joseph style. Make the evening a family
night, perhaps it could be a game night. Whatever you do, make the day special.
·
Do the St.
Joseph Universal Man Plan.
·
Devotion to the 7 Joys and Sorrows of St.
Joseph
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Protection
of Life from Conception until natural death.
·
Religion
in the home: Preschool for December
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Make
reparations to the Holy Face
· Rosary
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