Candace’s Corner
· Spirit Hour: World Cider Day
o John Adam drank a Cider every morning and lived to 90 in a time when the average age of men was 34
· Pray Day 1 of the Novena for our Pope and Bishops
· Bucket List: Sleep in a Chateau
o Or live in one; only $170,130
· Foodie: Go to a nice place to eat
In the shadow of Arizona’s famed Camelback Mountain, theà, named after the Goddess of light, serves as a haven where guests can indulge in simple pleasures and extravagant moments sky high. With breathtaking views and lively DJ energy, théa sets the stage for an unforgettable evening that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
The menu explores the vast preparations of Mediterranean mezze, pasta and coastal seafood with dips, flatbreads, perfectly prepared vegetables and marinated protein skewers, all designed to be shared. théa’s cocktail program is equally as rooted in fresh and house-made ingredients that combine the classic with the unexpected. But the cocktails are not to be outdone by one of the country’s most extensive rosé collections.
As the sun sets over the horizon, theà’s contagious energy lingers in the open air, beckoning you back for more, whether for a lively dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch. Immerse yourself in the laid-back sophistication of this unique restaurant in Phoenix.
· June is National Steakhouse Month
o Go out for Steak or order online grass-fed beef
· In 1947, The Stockyards, Arizona’s Original Steakhouse, opened its doors for the first time with a menu focused solely on its historical past: beef. Staying true to its heritage, The Stockyards’ menu continues to feature only the finest corn-fed, aged steaks and prime rib. With an emphasis on hearty flavors, The Stockyards' “New West Cuisine” embraces the culture and culinary trends of the Southwest, utilizing the freshest and highest quality indigenous ingredients in new and innovative ways. To date, The Stockyards remains a part of local history and a favorite gathering place for Arizonans.
· National Headache Awareness Week 1-7 June[4] aims to shed light on the significant impact headaches have on everyday life. Celebrated in early June, this awareness week draws attention to the millions who suffer from migraines and other types of headaches. The event plays a crucial role in driving conversation and support around this often-overlooked health issue. The primary reason for celebrating this week is to increase awareness and promote understanding. Many people are unaware of how severe and frequent headaches can be for those who experience them. By sharing knowledge, the goal is to reduce stigma and encourage empathy for those affected. Another important reason behind this week is to encourage sufferers to seek proper treatment. Many suffer silently, thinking their pain is unavoidable or that it’s not severe enough to warrant attention. National Headache Awareness Week aims to change that by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the symptoms and seeking help.
JUNE 3 Saint Charles Lwanga and companions
Wisdom, Chapter 17, Verse
3-4
For they, who supposed their
secret sins were hid under the dark veil of oblivion, were scattered in FEARFUL
trembling, terrified by apparitions. For not even their inner chambers kept
them unafraid, for crashing sounds on all sides terrified them, and mute
phantoms with somber looks appeared.
Chapter 17 of the Book of Wisdom
vividly describes the fear and terror experienced by the Egyptians during the
plague of darkness. From a Catholic perspective, this chapter highlights how
wickedness leads to fear, while those who trust in God remain secure. The
passage illustrates that the Egyptians, who had rejected God, were tormented by
their own conscience, experiencing paralyzing fear even in the absence of real
threats.
The text explains that fear arises
when reason is abandoned, stating, “For fear is nothing else but a yielding up
of the succors from thought” (Wisdom 17:12). This aligns with Catholic
teachings that faith and trust in God dispel fear, while sin and separation
from Him lead to spiritual darkness. The Egyptians, despite their power and
wisdom, were helpless against the terror that overtook them, showing that human
strength is insufficient without God.
Additionally, the chapter contrasts
the Egyptians’ fear with the peace of the Israelites, who remained in God’s
light. This reinforces the Catholic belief that God’s presence brings security,
while rejecting Him leads to spiritual blindness and despair. The passage
serves as a reminder that true wisdom comes from God, and those who turn away
from Him will ultimately be consumed by fear and uncertainty.
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.
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…
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
Day 351 2746-2751
PART FOUR: CHRISTIAN PRAYER
SECTION ONE-PRAYER IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
CHAPTER THREE-THE LIFE OF PRAYER
Article 3-THE PRAYER OF THE HOUR OF JESUS
2746 When
"his hour" came, Jesus prayed to the Father. His prayer, the
longest transmitted by the Gospel, embraces the whole economy of creation and
salvation, as well as his death and Resurrection. the prayer of the Hour of
Jesus always remains his own, just as his Passover "once for all"
remains ever present in the liturgy of his Church.
2747 Christian
Tradition rightly calls this prayer the "priestly" prayer of Jesus.
It is the prayer of our high priest, inseparable from his sacrifice, from his
passing over (Passover) to the Father to whom he is wholly
"consecrated."
2748 In this
Paschal and sacrificial prayer, everything is recapitulated in Christ: God
and the world; the Word and the flesh; eternal life and time; the love that
hands itself over and the sin that betrays it; the disciples present and those
who will believe in him by their word; humiliation and glory. It is the prayer
of unity.
2749 Jesus
fulfilled the work of the Father completely; his prayer, like his sacrifice,
extends until the end of time. the prayer of this hour fills the end-times and
carries them toward their consummation. Jesus, the Son to whom the Father has
given all things, has given himself wholly back to the Father, yet expresses
himself with a sovereign freedom by virtue of the power the Father has
given him over all flesh. the Son, who made himself Servant, is Lord, the
Pantocrator. Our high priest who prays for us is also the one who prays in us
and the God who hears our prayer.
2750 By
entering into the holy name of the Lord Jesus we can accept, from within, the
prayer he teaches us: "Our Father!" His priestly prayer fulfills,
from within, the great petitions of the Lord's Prayer: concern for the Father's
name; passionate zeal for his kingdom (Glory); The accomplishment of
the will of the Father, of his plan of salvation; and deliverance from
evil.
2751 Finally,
in this prayer Jesus reveals and gives to us the "knowledge,"
inseparably one, of the Father and of the Son, which is the very mystery
of the life of prayer.
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!
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Protection
of Life from Conception until natural death.
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
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