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St. Benedict

by Filed Under: 03 March Saints, St. Benedict Leave a Comment

[Commemoration]

SAINT BENEDICT

Abbot – March 21
Benedict was born in central Italy, about the year 480, when the civilized world was being overrun by pagan and heretical tribes. As a young man, he withdrew to the mountainous region of Subiaco to live there as a hermit. Soon many disciples followed him. Later, St. Benedict left Subiaco for Monte Cassino and founded on its summit a monastery that became the most famous in Europe. After having rescued Europe from the darkness and ignorance that followed the downfall of the Roman Empire, St. Benedict’s monks went out into the whole world to combat paganism with the light of Christ. They were the great civilizers, and their influence upon subsequent history is incalculable.
Even more importantly, the spirituality of Western Christianity has been shaped by the famous Rule Benedict devised for his monks. With this Rule, he provided a “school of the Lord’s service” which embraced a program of liturgical prayer, sacred study, and work, lived socially in community under one common father, with a noticeable emphasis on peace, moderation (especially as regards austerities), and charity towards all men.


Let the blessed Abbot Benedict intercede for us, O Lord. May his prayers win us Your help, since our own actions cannot merit it. Through Our Lord . . .

~~~

Girded with a faith, and the performance of good works, let us follow in Christ’s path by the guidance of the Gospel; then we shall deserve to see him “who has called us into his kingdom.” If we wish to attain a dwelling place in his kingdom, we shall not reach it unless we hasten there by our good deeds. Just as there exists an evil fervor, a bitter spirit, which divides us from God and leads us to hell, so there is a good fervor which sets us apart from evil inclinations and leads us toward God and eternal life. No one should follow what he considers to be good for himself, but rather what seems good for another. Let them put Christ before all else; and may he lead us all to everlasting life. ~from the Rule of Saint Benedict

~~~

Pictorial Lives of the Saints – Saint Benedict, Abbot

Saint Benedict, blessed by grace and in name, was born of a noble Italian family about 480. When a boy he was sent to Rome, and there placed in the public schools. Scared by the licentiousness of the Roman youth, he fled to the desert mountains of Subiaco, and was directed by the Holy Spirit into a cave, deep, craggy, and almost inaccessible. He lived there for three years, unknown to any one save the holy monk Romanus, who clothed him with the monastic habit and brought him food. But the fame of his sanctity soon gathered disciples round him. The rigor of his rule, however, drew on him the hatred of some of the monks, and one of them mixed poison with the abbot’s drink. But when the Saint made the sign of the cross on the poisoned bowl, it broke and fell in pieces to the ground. After he had built twelve monasteries at Subiaco, he removed to Monte Cassino, where he founded an abbey in which he wrote his rule, and lived until death. By prayer he did all things: wrought miracles, saw visions, and prophesied. A peasant, whose boy had just died, ran in anguish to Saint Benedict, crying out, “Give me back my son!” The monks joined the poor man in his entreaties; but the Saint replied, ” Such miracles are not for us to work, but for the blessed Apostles. Why will you lay upon me a burden which my weakness cannot bear? ” Moved at length by compassion he knelt down, and prostrating himself upon the body of the child prayed earnestly. Then rising, he cried out, ” Behold not, O Lord, my sins, but the faith of this man,- who desireth the life of his son, and restore to the body that soul which Thou hast taken away.” Hardly had he spoken when the child’s body began to tremble, and taking it by the hand he restored it alive to its father. Six days before his death he ordered his grave to be opened, and fell ill of a fever. On the sixth day he requested to be borne into the chapel, and, having received the Body and Blood of Christ, with hands uplifted, and leaning on one of his disciples, he calmly expired in prayer on the 21st of March, 543.

Reflection – The Saints never feared to undertake any work, however arduous, for God, because distrusting self they relied for assistance and support wholly upon prayer.

~~~

 

 

St. Benedict by LL – August 2017 Peg Doll Swap

RESOURCES:

SERMONS & AUDIO:

 

I’ve partnered with Catholic Car Magnets to offer authentically Catholic magnets. This small Catholic-family owned business will donate a percentage of each sale to help youth attend a FSSP Summer Camp, serve on a Mission, or participate in an age-appropriate virtue program.

By using the coupon code, “SSCAMP,” at checkout, customers will also receive a generous discount.  If you’re local, contact me personally to place your order.

 

***For a limited time, you may enter a giveaway here***

St. Joseph’s Altar

by Filed Under: 03 March Saints, St. Joseph Leave a Comment

Ad te beate Joseph, in tribulatione nostra confugimus, atque, implorato Sponsae tuae sanctissimae auxilio, patrocinium quoque tuum fidenter exposcimus. (To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. )

2017 Parish St. Joseph Altar

SAINT JOSEPH

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Confessor

Patron of the Universal Church

March 19

Joseph, a member of the royal family of David, was leading the obscure life of a village carpenter when God chose him to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin and the foster father of the Incarnate Word. Scripture tells us that Joseph was just, pure, gentle, prudent, and a lover of holy silence. Above all, this humble guardian of the Child Jesus was unfailingly obedient to the divine will.

Joseph is not mentioned after he and Mary lost the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple and, following three days of agonized search, found their boy discoursing divinely with the learned doctors of the Law. The great task of the foster father of Christ must have been finished before the marriage feast at Cana and the beginning of the Savior’s public ministry. Untold millions have since then invoked St. Joseph as the patron of a happy death.

 

It is a salutary practice and very praiseworthy, already established in some countries, to consecrate the month of March to the honour of the holy Patriarch by daily exercises of piety. Where this custom cannot be easily established, it is as least desirable, that before the feast-day, in the principal church of each parish, a triduo of prayer be celebrated. In those lands where the 19th of March – the Feast of St. Joseph – is not a Festival of Obligation, We exhort the faithful to sanctify it as far as possible by private pious practices, in honour of their heavenly patron, as though it were a day of Obligation. ~Pope Leo XIII

2017 Home St. Joseph’s Altar

Viva la Tavola di San Giuseppe!

Long live the table of St. Joseph!

2018 Tavola di San Giuseppe

The importance of this day in Catholic tradition extends throughout the world, but one related custom, in particular, originated on the island of Sicily: St. Joseph’s Table.

The origins of St. Joseph’s Table can be traced to the Middle Ages. 

According to one tradition, during a famine brought on by a severe drought, starving villagers — many of them farmers — prayed to St. Joseph, asking for his intercession. St. Joseph helped them to survive by eating the fava bean. It was the only crop that would grow in such harsh conditions. So bountiful the crop became that the famine ended.

To offer their thanks the people prepared a special feast, inviting the poor and less fortunate among them to share in the meal. The feast of St. Joseph’s Table has been celebrated ever since.

The St. Joseph’s table itself — also known as an “altar” — is traditionally comprised of three ascending tables, or “steps,” representing both the Holy Trinity and the ascent from earth to heaven. At the center of the last and highest table is a statue of St. Joseph or a picture of the Holy Family.

Palms and lily plants typically adorn each of the tables. Vigil candles, usually green, brown and dark yellow, accompany the flowers, representing the colors of St. Joseph. Breads are formed and baked into the shapes of various Catholic symbols, such as a St. Joseph’s staff and various carpentry tools, a chalice, cross, monstrance, dove, lamb, fish or heart. Some of these elaborate breads are not eaten as part of the meal, but later given to the poor. Bottles of wine are also placed upon the altar, as well as assorted fruits such as grapes and lemons.

The various culinary treats that form the meal are each blessed by a priest; thus the food is never to be thrown away or wasted. Because the feast of St. Joseph falls during the Lenten season, meat is not a part of the meal.

The main course is a pasta dish containing sardines, tomatoes and fresh fennel, and sprinkled with breadcrumbs to represent the sawdust of a carpenter. There are several names for this dish, but it is often called pasta con sarde, pasta con mudrica orpasta Milanese. Various soups made of lentils and vegetable dishes such as stuffed artichokes, broccoli and fennel, as well as the all-important fava bean, which is often served roasted and lightly salted, accompany the pasta.

As with all things Sicilian, the meal is followed by a tasty assortment of desserts: various cookies, zeppole and the famous St. Joseph sfinge, which is a round cream puff filled with ricotta cheese or cream and adorned with candied fruits. The food that remains is given to the poor, along with any money that guests may have contributed.

St. Joseph peg dolls made especially for our St. Joseph, Dad.

 

2017 Home St. Joseph’s Altar – embellished by children by the end of the day.

 

2016 Parish St. Joseph Altar

 

 

RESOURCES:

SERMONS:

PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH

This is a prayer that is offered as part of our Thanksgiving after every Mass at my Parish, started by the FSSP Superior General, Fr. Berg.

Prayer to St. Joseph

by Pope St. Pius X.

Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so baneful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch St. Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity.

 

To Thee, O Blessed Joseph

by Pope Leo XIII 

To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. Through that charity which bound thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which thou embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to graciously regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with thy power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; and, as once thou rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by thy constant protection, so that, supported by thy example and thy aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

 

Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church

by Pope Leo XIII 

Most powerful patriarch St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, which has always invoked thee in anxiety and trouble, from the exalted seat of thy glory cast a loving glance upon the whole Catholic world. Let thy fatherly heart be touched at the sight of the mystical spouse and the Vicar of Christ overwhelmed with sorrow and persecuted by powerful enemies.

Oh! by the bitter anguish thou didst experience upon earth, dry the tears of the venerable Pontiff, defend him, liberate him, intercede for him with the Giver of peace and charity, that, all adversity being removed, and all error dissipated, the entire Church may serve God in perfect liberty: Ut destructis adversitatibus et erroribus universis Ecclesia secura Deo serviat libertate. Amen.

Total Consecration {for ALL}

by Filed Under: Total Consecration Leave a Comment

We (of JOYfilledfamily) invite you to make a Total Consecration for the first time or prepare to renew your consecration.

 

WHAT:

By making this consecration to Mary, you are placing yourself completely and totally in her hands. You are giving her permission to form you, discipline you, and mold you into a true follower of Christ. Do not be afraid, though, because she loves you. She will always take care of you, and knows better than anybody how to do so. It is always good to remember her words to St. Juan Diego in Mexico, “Hear and let it penetrate into your heart, my dear little son: let nothing discourage you, nothing depress you: let nothing alter your heart or your countenance. Also do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else that you need?”

 

 

WHEN & HOW:

Step 1 – Read “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Read for about 12 days your discernment and preparation for Consecration.

Step 2 – Choose a day for the Consecration

Chose the date of a Marian Feast on which to make the consecration. Now work backward to figure out when you will start your Consecration — whichever Feast you choose will determine the date to begin a 33-day period of spiritual preparation (you follow spiritual exercises for 33 days, and the next day will be the Marian Feast on which you consecrate yourself).

Below is a list of Marian Feasts which are the same on both the Traditional and Novus Ordo calendars so there will be no “issues” for traditionalists who decide to enroll in the confraternity associated with Montfort’s Total Consecration:image1 21 Feb when February has 29 days. The Feast of the Annunciation is the Feast that St. Louis de Montfort recommends most of all as it is this Feast that commemorates God Himself taking on flesh and, thereby, subjecting even Himself to trust in and dependency on Our Lady

 

Step 3 – Begin the 33-Day Preparation for Consecration

Now begins the 33-day period of exercises. St. Louis-Marie breaks these days into sections of days, each section having its own prayers, and each particular day having its own brief readings with which to fill the mind for that day (the readings come from Sacred Scripture, “The Imitation of Christ,” and “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary”). Don’t just read the readings, internalize them; don’t let your lips just mouth the prayers, truly pray them.

The Total Consecration is divided into themes:

Days 1-12: The Spirit of the World – preparation period that consists of emptying oneself of the spirit of the world in penance and mortification. For those 12 days, we pray the Veni Creator, the Ave Maris Stella, the Magnificat, and the Glory Be. Then follow 3 weeks, each week having a specific focus. 

Days 13-19: Knowledge of Self –

Days 20-26: Knowledge of Mary –  we ask the Holy Ghost to help us better understand the Blessed Virgin; we pray the Litany of the Holy Ghost, the Litany of Loreto, the Ave Maris Stellis, the prayer to Mary by St. Louis-Marie, and 5 decades of the Holy Rosary each day for assistance. 

Days 27-33: Knowledge of Jesus – we seek to better understand Christ through meditation and the Litany of the Holy Ghost, the Ave Maris Stella, and the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, Montfort’s prayer to Jesus, and the prayer O Jesus Living in Mary.

Day 34: Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary


Below are links to the individual readings for each day, and accompanying prayers. You can also purchase the book, True Devotion to Mary with Preparation for Total Consecration,  here.

 

 

12-Day Preparation: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12
First Week: 13  14  15  16  17  18  19
Second Week: 20  21  22  23  24  25  26
Third Week: 27  28  29  30  31  32  33

 

 

 

Step 4 – Day 34: Day of Consecration

On the day of consecration, either fast, give alms, or offer a votive candle for the good

 of another (or all of the above); do some spiritual penance and approach consecration in the spirit of mortification. 

Now go to Confession (or, if that is not possible, go during the 8 days prior) and then receive Communion with the intention of giving yourself to Jesus, as a slave of love, by the hands of Mary. Try to receive Communion per the method described in the Supplement of the book, “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary” above.

Now, pray the words of the consecration. Copy them and have them with you at church, read them after the Mass (in front of the tabernacle would be nice), and sign your copy of the Act of Consecration. You can get FREE printable here or here.

 

 

Step 5 – After Consecration

Once you have consecrated yourself to Jesus through Mary, live that consecration. St. Louis-Marie de Montfort recommended the following:

  • Keep praying to develop a “great contempt” for the spirit of this world
  • Maintain a special devotion to the Mystery of the Incarnation (e.g., through meditation; spiritual reading; focusing on Feasts centering around the Incarnation, such as the Annunciation and the Nativity, etc.)
  • Frequently recite the Ave, Rosary, and the Magnificat
  • Recite, every day if it is not inconvenient, the “Little Crown of the Blessed Virgin” — a series of Paters, Aves, and Glorias — one Ave for each star in the Virgin’s Crown. St. Louis has a special way of praying the Little Crown, which is recommended.
  • Do everything through, with, in and for Mary for the sake of Jesus, with the prayer, “I am all thine Immaculate One, with all that I have: in time and in eternity” in your heart and on your lips
  • Associate yourself with Mary in a special way before, during, and after Communion (see Supplement of the book, “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary” above)

  • Wear a little iron chain (around the neck, arm, waist, or ankle) as an outward sign and reminder of holy slavery. This practice is optional, but very recommended by St. Louis. The appearance of this chain is not further specified.
  • Renew the consecration once a year on the same date chosen above, and by following the same 33-day period of exercises. If desired, also renew the consecration monthly with the prayer, “I am all thine and all I have is thine, O dear Jesus, through Mary, Thy holy Mother.”
  • Optional: Join the Confraternity of Mary, Queen of All Hearts. Their address:
    Director, Confraternity of Mary Queen of All Hearts
    26 South Saxon Avenue
    Bay Shore, NY 11706

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Each meditation below is about 40min in length (after the Rosary) so we divide it over a 30-day period for about 6 minutes of listening each day.  We adjust to fit the needs of our family.

 

 

“…O admirable Mother, present me to thy dear Son as His eternal slave, so that as He has redeemed me by thee, by thee He may receive me! O Mother of mercy, grant me the grace to obtain the true Wisdom of God; and for that end receive me among those whom thou lovest and teachest, whom thou leadest, nourishest and protectest as thy children and thy slaves…” ~ Total Consecration

Chair of St. Peter at Antioch

by Filed Under: 02 February Saints, Chair of St. Peter, FSSP Leave a Comment

St. Peter was the prince of the apostles and the first pope. Jesus said to him, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). The name ‘Peter’ means rock.

SAINT PETER’S CHAIR AT ANTIOCH

FEB. 22 – GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE

1st. Class Feast for FSSP and CSP

This feast commemorates the seven years during which Pope Peter ruled the Church from Antioch before he went to Rome. Since the majority of the Jews had rejected Christianity, Peter left Jerusalem and founded the see of Antioch among the Gentiles. In that large Eastern city, Christianity took deep root, and it was there that the faithful were first called by the name of Christians. After seven years the Vicar of Christ transferred his see to Rome, the very center of the ancient world, so that from it the messengers of salvation might radiate to the uttermost ends of the earth.

Hâc cathedrâ, Petrus quâ sederat ipse, locatum
Maxima Roma Linum primum considere iussit.

(On this chair, where Peter himself had sat,
great Rome first placed Linus and bade him sit.)

 

“Blessed art thou, Simon BarJona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.” ~ Matt. 16:13-19

 

image

The Apostolic Penitentiary, by virtue of the faculties granted to it, has kindly willed to grant (by decree of June 7, 2008 and May 11, 2015, for 7 years as is customary) to the members of the Confraternity of Saint Peter at the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer at the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff).

Chair of St. Peter molded by children using Rice Krispy Treats

The feast of St. Peter’s Chair at Rome reminds us that St. Peter started the Christian community in that city. The special chair is a symbol of the authority that was given to him by Jesus. Kings of old sat on thrones and ruled. Peter’s chair is a symbol of his authority from Jesus to rule the Church.

RESOURCES:

 

Lenten Calendar 2018

by Filed Under: Lent, Lent 2018, Lenten Calendar 2 Comments

Almighty God! I unite myself at the beginning of this holy season of penance with the Church militant, endeavoring to make these days of real sorrow for my sins and crucifixion of the sensual man. O Lord Jesus! in union with Thy fasting and passion, I offer Thee my fasting in obedience to the Church, for Thy honor, and in thanksgiving for the many favors I have received, in satisfaction for my sins and the sins of others, and that I may receive the grace to avoid such and such a sin, N. N. and to practice such and such a virtue, N. N.

Lent begins on February 14 this year!  I hope this calendar helps you get a jumpstart on your Lenten journey.

This Lenten Calendar follows the Traditional Calendar (1962) of the Extraordinary Form of the Liturgy with  Historical (H) feast days noted.  It extends from Shrove Tuesday to Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil.

We only celebrate First Class Feasts during Lent.  The other saints are included for private devotion and will be called upon for intercessory prayers. 

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Here’s a look at one the calendars posted in my home.  I will be posting the larger version on our Lenten wall.

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This year’s calendar prints best as 20×30 and 12×18.  Costco Photo has been my best option for speedy and inexpensive printing.  Prints range from $1.49 to $9.99.

  • You may download and print the calendar for your personal use.
  • You may also link to this post but please do not link directly to the file download.
  • Email me at JOYfilledfamily{at}gmail{dot}com if you need my assistance.  

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Click this link to download a JPEG image for printing at a Photo Center.

Click this link for the PDF version.

 

O most benign Jesus! who didst so desire to suffer for us, grant, that we may willingly suffer for love of Thee; that we may hate and flee from the detestable pleasures of the world and the flesh, and practice penance and mortification, that by so doing we may merit to be released from our spiritual blindness to love Thee more and more ardently, and finally possess Thee forever.

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2018 Lenten Calendar Guide

  • The bottom portion of each day represents the feasts and ferias proper to the season for the Extraordinary Form
  • Saints listed without notation are from the Extraordinary Form liturgy
  • Saints listed with “H” are from the Historical calendar
  • Each saint featured by a picture is identified by the name immediately above the image
  • This calendar is the work of a lay Catholic for one’s personal observance of Lent and private devotions

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Family Favorite Lenten Resources for Children:

 

 

 

 

Lenten Resources:

 

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